Modern –day agricultural chemicals have helped farmers grow bigger, better and more bountiful produce all over the world. But like most advancements, the benefits of agricultural progress also carry a cost. Despite the efforts of growers, handlers and grocers; many fruits and vegetables found on the grocery store shelf have some level of chemical residue.

Pesticides and other agricultural chemicals are specifically engineered to be ‘waterproof’ so that they are not washed off by rain and irrigation. Many fruits and vegetables (grapes, apples, cucumbers, etc) are also coated in wax to preserve the quality and appearance of the produce from the fields to your kitchen table.

Studies suggest that some of these chemicals may be toxic to the human body. Pesticides have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders and can be especially harmful to children, the elderly, and anyone suffering from a deficient immune system. In addition to the agricultural chemicals and other residues, 20 or more strangers may have handled your fruit and vegetable before you put it in your mouth.

Despite the dangers associated with chemical residues, almost everyone agrees that the benefits of a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables outweigh the potential risks.

To minimize concern about chemicals, wax and ‘fingerprints’, follow the four simple tips outlined below:

1. Buy organic whenever possible. Organic foods are more likely to be free of pesticide residue than conventionally grown foods. They do however need cleaning having also been subject to handling and atmospheric contamination from petrol, diesel, exhausts, dust and insect infestation.

2. Cleanse preparation surfaces and utensils thoroughly; making sure that countertops, cutting boards, and knives are hygienic before using. 

3. Use Veggi-Wash – the natural vegetable wash which is effective and safe, containing only natural ingredients.

4. Be sure to wash fruits and vegetables (like oranges and melons) that you plan to peel or cut. Contamination can pass through to the fruit during the peeling or cutting process. For soft or leafy produce (like strawberries, broccoli, spinach, etc.) rinse briefly in a bowl or sink of Veggi-Wash diluted with water to remove impurities.

Your family can enjoy the benefits of a healthy and balanced diet by minimizing your exposure to unwanted chemicals in this way.

ABOUT VEGGI-WASH

Veggie- wash has been specifically formulated to wash fresh fruits and vegetables. It works by breaking up the wax, soil and agricultural chemicals on fruit and vegetables so that it can be easily and safely rinsed away.

It has three naturally based surface active ingredients that do different jobs:

• The first one works on the exterior of the vegetables, reducing the surface tension of the water to help it float away any farm contaminants or environmental pollution. The surface tension of water is that property of normal water which causes the beading of rain water on the surface of a waxed automobile. Water on its own behaves in a similar fashion when used to wash fruit and vegetables and cannot effectively penetrate through the layers of wax and contaminants on the surface of fresh produce.
• The second one encapsulates the undesirables and holds them in solution preventing them from resettling on the vegetable or fruit.
• The third starts to break down those toxic deposits and aids the final rinsing after the ‘Veggie-Wash’ safety cycle.

All the ingredients are vegetable derived, so it’s like washing your fruit and vegetables with fruit and vegetables!