Wash Fruits with Dish Soap? One Type is Safe!

Wash Fruits with Dish Soap? One Type is Safe!

 

In our daily lives, we commonly use dish soap and food-grade disinfectants. As the importance of food hygiene is emphasized, we increasingly rely on these products. Dish soap serves various purposes, from cleaning vegetables and fruits to kitchen utensils.

 

 

Tools for Hygiene in Fruits and Vegetables: Dish Soap and Food-Grade Disinfectant

When washing fruits and vegetables, we often use dish soap along with a disinfectant, especially during the summer to prevent food poisoning. However, if washing and disinfecting are not done properly, it can lead to adverse effects.

 

When using a type 1 dish soap for washing fruits and vegetables, the disinfectant should be thoroughly rinsed with potable water. When rinsing with running water, fruits and vegetables should be washed for at least 30 seconds, and dishes for at least 5 seconds. If using a basin, it is crucial to exchange water more than once to prevent soap residues.

 

Types and Usage of Dish Soap

Dish soap is primarily used for washing vegetables, fruits, and dishes. It is categorized into type 1, type 2, and type 3 dish soaps, each designed for specific purposes such as cleaning vegetables and fruits, dishware, and kitchen utensils. Dish soaps are manufactured using ingredients like surfactants, builders, stabilizers, fragrances, and colorants. Surfactants disperse contaminants, emulsify fat, and prevent contaminants from reattaching to the surface of dishes.

 

Role and Precautions of Food-Grade Disinfectants

Food-grade disinfectants are food additives that quickly sterilize microorganisms on fruits and vegetables. They are commonly used for preventing foodborne illnesses and include hydrogen peroxide, ozone water, peracetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, chlorinated water, and chlorine dioxide water. However, caution is necessary when using them. Dilute them properly, soak for a specified time, and rinse thoroughly with clean water after use to completely remove the disinfectant.

 

 

Caution in Mixing and Conclusion

It is not recommended to mix food-grade disinfectants and dish soap. The Korean Food and Drug Administration prohibits such mixing and advises washing with dish soap after disinfecting with a food-grade disinfectant. It is crucial to understand and use type 1 dish soap for washing fruits and vegetables and types 2 and 3 for dishware appropriately. While dish soap and food-grade disinfectants play a vital role in safeguarding our health, adhering to proper usage guidelines is of utmost importance.