Wash produce under running water
Rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water can remove dirt and reduce some surface residues. Scrubbing firm produce with a clean brush can help. Soap, bleach and household cleaners are not recommended for food because they can leave residues not intended for eating.
Washing is not laboratory testing
Some residues may be on the surface, while others can be affected by how a crop is grown or processed. Washing cannot tell you the exact amount of a residue, and a barcode cannot detect pesticide residues at all. Agencies set and enforce limits while monitoring continues.
Keep practical choices in perspective
Fruits and vegetables provide fiber, vitamins and minerals. A useful approach is to wash produce, vary the foods you eat, follow current recalls and choose options that fit your budget and access. HealthLogic can explain labels, but it cannot verify pesticide residues in a specific item.
Primary source: EPA: Food and Pesticides.