Ulrich Mayr calls baking‑soda fruit wash useless and costly

Influencers on social media have promoted washing fruit in a solution of water and baking‑soda, claiming it removes pesticide residues. German expert Ulrich Mayr of the Kompetenzzentrum Obstbau Bodensee says the practice is “der größte Blödsinn” and adds that “Kaltes Wasser reicht völlig aus.” He warns that the alkaline solution can be aggressive, affect taste and does not eliminate all residues. Consumer‑watchdog tests confirm that a short soak in baking‑soda can reduce some surface pesticides such as thiabendazole or phosmet, especially when combined with ultrasound, but fat‑soluble and systemic pesticides remain unaffected. The agency therefore recommends simply rinsing fruit under running water, scrubbing firmer produce with a brush or microfiber cloth, and choosing organic items when avoidance of residues is desired. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) reassures that pesticide levels in German produce are within legally set limits.