According to Express, a recent study by scientists has revealed that merely washing fruits and vegetables is not sufficient to completely remove harmful pesticides. It is recommended that consumers peel cucumbers and apples to reduce the risk of exposure to these toxins.
Washing Doesn’t Completely Remove Pesticides
The study, conducted by researchers at Anhui Agricultural University in China, utilized advanced chemical detection technologies such as laser beams and SERS membranes to analyze residues on the surfaces of various foods, including cucumbers, apples, chili powder, shrimp, and rice.
The findings indicated that common washing methods or standard food safety procedures are inadequate to eliminate all dangerous pesticides. The risk of pesticide residue remains on the surfaces of fruits and vegetables, even seeping into the outer flesh of some produce.
Pesticides Penetrate Deep into Produce
Professor Dongdong Ye, the study’s author, shared with The Guardian, “This study aims to provide health guidance for consumers and recommend peeling as the most effective way to remove pesticide residues, rather than just rinsing with water.”
In the study, scientists applied two types of pesticides, thiram and carbendazim, to food samples. Although these chemicals are banned in the UK and EU, they are still used in many other parts of the world. Specifically, with apples, they found that pesticides not only lingered on the peel but also penetrated the outer flesh after washing. Hence, peeling becomes the optimal solution to avoid chemical exposure.
Health Risks Associated with Pesticides
While Cancer Research UK previously stated that consuming small amounts of pesticides does not increase cancer risk, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of these chemicals. A recent study also suggested that agricultural chemicals may contribute to the development of leukemia.
The scientists emphasized, “A combination of molecular biology, toxicology, and epidemiology is necessary to identify carcinogens and subsequently reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.”
The report from Anhui Agricultural University concluded that peeling is the safest measure to avoid pesticides in the epidermis and outer flesh of fruits. Therefore, the risk of consuming pesticides cannot be entirely eliminated by washing alone, and peeling is necessary to safeguard one’s health.
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