How to Clean Fresh Produce
Although advised not to clean raw chicken, caters must still sanitize fresh produce in the following manner: • Rinse under water neither hot nor cold, but rather a temperature close to that of the fruit or vegetable. Sometimes, this requires adjusting the water multiple times during the process. • Soak produce with lots of dents, wholes, and pours up to two minutes. Some fruits, such as raspberries, are an exception. Instead, caterers should rinse fragile produce carefully in a strainer. • Scrub the surface of the vegetable or fruit with a clean brush, particularly for root vegetables. Use a brush soft enough as not to cut into the produce. • Cut off undesirable areas and peel the skin whenever necessary. • Pat the produce dry with clean paper towel or a regularly washed cloth to further remove dirt and reduce bacteria. Note: Always begin with clean hands. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds both before and after cleaning. Similarly, wipe all counter tops, cutting boards, and utensils adequately.
Pre-Washed Produce?
Some packages now advertise “ready-to-eat,” suggesting the fruit or vegetable has been pre-washed, cut, and seasoned. For the most part, caterers can trust this label, though we advise inspection before serving. As an aside, the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Maine further investigated these claims, discovering that the commercial Ozone Water Purifier XT-301 and J0-4 Multi-Functional Food Sterilizer systems removed microbes from fruit effectively, but distilled water still proved more effective. Considering as much, maybe a quick rinse is best, even if the package says otherwise.Vinegar?
Caterers on rigs, ships, and platforms should refrain from washing fruits and vegetables with soap or detergent. Instead, they may clean produce with vinegar, an old home remedy. Since the concentrate of vinegar is much lower in a store compared to commercial mixtures, nutritionists recommend three parts water and one part vinegar for soaking purposes. This method does not protect against all bacteria, but it does help.