Nutritionists have warned fruit traders against washing fruits with laundry detergent or other household cleaning products, saying detergent residues left on produce could be swallowed by consumers and irritate the mouth, throat and digestive system.
The experts said detergents were formulated for cleaning clothes and household surfaces, not food, noting that using them on fruits could introduce a chemical hazard rather than make the produce safer.
They advised traders to wash fruits with clean, running water, gently rub the surfaces and maintain proper hand hygiene, as well as clean storage and display conditions.
The United States Food and Drug Administration advises against washing fresh fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent or commercial produce washes, saying such products can be difficult to rinse completely from produce. The agency recommends washing produce thoroughly under running water and cutting away bruised or damaged portions before eating.
The World Health Organisation also identifies chemicals and toxins as food safety hazards and advises people to use potable water and raw materials when handling food.
