M’sian Food Safety Expert Says You Should ALWAYS Wash Mandarin Oranges Before Peeling Them

Deputy Director of State Health (Food Safety and Quality Division – BKKM) at the Penang State Health Department (JKNPP) and member of the Malaysian Food Safety Association (MAFSA), Sazly Azizuddin Sahaimi, is sharing the importance of washing Mandarin oranges before peeling them, as cross-contamination of pesticides and more can happen.

Taking to his Facebook page, he revealed how dust, dirt and pesticide residue can contaminate the inside of the fruit if it is not washed before consumption.

This image is for illustration purposes only.

“The peel is not just a wrapper”

Sazly explained that while the peel may seem like a protective layer, it can actually harbour invisible hazards:

“The peel is not just a wrapper. These surfaces retain traces of field dust, dirt, and pesticide residue that are invisible to the eye. When the peel is removed without being washed, knives and fingers can transfer this residue to the fruit inside, which should otherwise be clean and safe.”

He advised the public to wash the oranges under running water with moderate friction before peeling.

“Food safety is not only about what is eaten, but also about what shouldn’t be consumed. This piece of knowledge may seem small, but it is huge for maintaining our health,” he added.

Wash only when ready to eat

This image is for illustration purposes only.

In another post, Sazly clarified a common concern: when exactly should you wash them? He warned that washing mandarin oranges too early can actually lead to spoilage.

“Wash them only when you are going to eat them or serve them to others. Water accelerates the spoilage of oranges during storage,” he noted.

What do you think about this? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

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