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2026-07-26 02:57 UTC → 2026-08-15 04:06 UTC ·
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Late In late June 2026, German fruit‑growth fruit-growth specialist Ulrich Mayr dismissed the TikTok‑promoted baking‑soda soak TikTok-promoted baking-soda soaks as ineffective and warned it “der größte Blödsinn” (the biggest nonsense), warning they could leach water‑soluble nutrients, urging a simple rinse with cold running water. By mid‑July the same German experts reinforced the advice, noting that prolonged soaking may further deplete vitamins and recommending brushing harder produce water-soluble nutrients and choosing organic items fail to limit pesticide exposure. On 19 July, Romanian nutritionists added eliminate fat-soluble or systemic pesticides. While consumer-watchdog tests indicated such solutions might reduce certain surface pesticides like thiabendazole or phosmet, experts emphasized that “Kaltes Wasser reicht völlig aus” (cold water is completely sufficient). By mid-July, nutritionists and food-safety specialists reinforced the importance of washing all fruits produce—including thick-skinned varieties like watermelon and vegetables—including thick‑skinned varieties—under mango—under running water removes to remove bacterial contaminants and pesticide residues, and that pre‑packaged, already‑washed produce does not need a second wash. The same day residues. U.S. food‑safety specialists cited by Rutgers and the FDA and Rutgers confirmed that a steady stream of cold tap water can eliminate up to 99 % 99% of common pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria Listeria, and Cyclospora, advising Cyclospora. They advised against using soaps, detergents detergents, or vinegar, and recommending brief soaking only for heavily soiled items, gentle hand‑scrubbing, and recommended keeping berries unwashed until use. A further July 25 update Updated protocols from U.S. experts expanded the protocol: discard late July advised discarding outer leaves of leafy greens, inspect for damage, use a using soft brush or salad spinner/paper towels to dry, store brushes for hard produce, and storing washed produce items at 4 °C or below, and keep it separate from raw meat, fish or poultry meats. In August, VerbraucherService Bayern issued warnings regarding pre-cut fruits and ready-to-eat salads, noting that moist, packaged environments can promote bacterial growth; consumers should refrigerate these at a maximum of 7 °C and watch for bulging lids indicating fermentation. Additionally, the Bundeszentrum für Ernährung (BZfE) noted that while skins can be eaten if produce is well-washed, peeling can lead to prevent cross‑contamination. nutrient loss and increased food waste.