Unwashed veg in pregnancy

[Orangemochafrappacino]

Freaking out because I'm 34 weeks and although I wash fruit that I eat cold I rarely wash vegetables that are going to be cooked unless they are visibly soily. I've also eaten sprouted potatoes (with the sprouts and surrounding area chopped off) multiple times and didnt realise it was an issue until the thread on here.

Now I've read that there are pesticides and bacteria etc that can cause birth defects and I'm panicking. I've been so careful with meat, diary etc so I'm kicking myself.

Should I mention it to the midwife?

If the veg is cooked then that kills anything that could be harmful.

Why would you wash veg that's going to be cooked, unless it was covered in soil? Definitely no need to call your midwife.

Sprouted potatoes?

@Theunamedcat

Sprouted potatoes?

Potatoes that have started to sprout obviously I cut the sprouted bits off and use them

I do all those things too. Never knew it was supposed to be a problem.

You’ll be fine, please don’t panic. My Dh is awful for washing veg and I have two health toddlers now

I know what they are sorry I just don't know what the issue is with sprouted potatoes is even walkers use sprouted potatoes in there crisps I remember getting a cooked sprout once that got mixed in somehow

Never wash fruit or vegetables unless covered in soil, an apple occasionally gets a sentimental rub on my trousers. You'll both be fine.

I was all fruit and veg if eating raw or cooked, probably just the OCD in me though. I doubt unwashed cooked veg would be an issue so don't worry about it.

I only wash fruit and salad, never wash veg or potato's x

I never wash fruit or veg unless visibly soiled. Myself and baby are fine!

Pesticides and bacteria on unwashed fruit and veg can't cause birth defects. The recommendation to wash veg is in order to avoid potential listeria which is a form of food poisoning. But the risk is so minimal. Really don't worry!

So many of the recommendations/rules about what not to eat are based on really poor data. I really recommend a book called Expecting Better by economist and data scientist Emily Oster who actually went through all the studies that all the recommendations come from to see what the data really shows - or doesn't show.