...not to wash fruit and vegetables that will be peeled?

[theconstantinoplegardener]

I have often noticed, prominently displayed in the fresh fruit and veg aisles at Sainsburys, signs instructing me to wash all fresh produce before use. The same on a box of Easy Peelers that I have just squashed for recycling. I would always wash items with edible skin, such as apples, tomatoes etc. But is it really necessary for food items that will be peeled before consumption? Do you wash things like oranges and onions, for example?

I read that most fruit and veg has pesticide reside on the skin/surface, and that washing helps remove this. I soak spinach/lettuce as often there are bugs/bits of soil/grit stuck on the leaves.

...and if you've never washed and dried a seemingly clean looking plastic wrapped cucumber I suggest it. The paper towel I dry them with always comes away with muddy brown marks on it.

If you don’t wash it, the dirt and chemicals will transfer from your hand and the peeler onto the veg/fruit.

I don't think it matters too much in the uk normally although there have been a few cases of E. coli etc hasn't there?

The general rule though seems to be things like oranges, bananas etc are fine but anything that you need a knife to peel can be contaminated.

The knife touches the outside then transfers it to the inner flesh as you peel/slice so it should be washed first.

But a rat might have looked at it?

My mother washes a banana. She is a complete loon.

I don't wash fruit and vegetables apart from maybe running leeks under the cold tap if there is earth on them.

I know someone who until recently washed eggs with anti bac spray (until I told him they were porous).