# A Diarrhea-Causing Illness Spreads—How to Safely Prepare Fresh Produce
A diarrhea-causing pathogen is circulating across the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging families to take extra precautions with fresh produce. The outbreak underscores what food safety experts have long emphasized: proper washing techniques matter.
The illness spreads through contaminated vegetables and fruits, making kitchen hygiene a genuine concern for parents feeding their families. The CDC recommends washing all produce under running water before eating or preparing it, even items with skin you'll peel away. This removes surface bacteria and other pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal illness.
Here's what actually works. Rinse produce under cool, running tap water while gently rubbing the surface with your hands or a soft brush. For items like lettuce or cabbage, you can run water between the leaves. Pat produce dry with a clean paper towel or cloth after washing. The friction from your hands and water movement removes more contaminants than soaking alone.
For families concerned about produce safety, several tools help. Vegetable brushes with soft bristles clean items like potatoes, squash, and root vegetables without damaging them. Food sanitizing sprays exist, though the CDC notes that plain water works effectively for most produce. Some families use produce wash products, though research shows these offer minimal advantage over water.
Store produce properly too. Keep unwashed fruits and vegetables separate from ready-to-eat foods in your refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. Wash your cutting boards, knives, and hands after handling raw produce, particularly if you've handled items like leafy greens or berries.
Parents shouldn't skip fresh produce out of fear. Fruits and vegetables remain essential for children's nutrition and development. Instead