03/09/2026
Should everything be washed before cooking? Not quite. 👀
It feels natural to rinse anything we’re about to cook — but different foods need different handling.
🥩 Raw meat: Singapore Food Agency (SFA) advises against washing raw meat because splashes can spread pathogenic bacteria around your kitchen. Instead, keep it separate from other foods, wash your hands and utensils after handling it, and cook it thoroughly.
🥬 Fresh vegetables: Washing is important. SFA recommends removing visible soil, washing vegetables, soaking them in fresh tap water and rinsing again before cooking. Firm produce such as potatoes can also be gently scrubbed.
🥗 Pre-packed salad: Check the label. Vegetables labelled Ready-to-Eat (RTE) have been prepared for direct consumption, while some pre-packed vegetables are not RTE and still need to be washed before eating.
🥕 Root vegetables: Even if you’re peeling them, wash them first. Soil can remain on vegetables such as potatoes and carrots, so SFA recommends washing them thoroughly and gently scrubbing firm surfaces where needed.
Good food care isn’t about washing everything.
It’s about knowing how to handle each food properly.
For fruits & vegetables, we keep our routine simple:
DROP. SOAK. RINSE. 💧
ORCACLEAN is intended for fruits & vegetables. Always use as directed and rinse thoroughly with clean water after soaking.
Sources: Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
