Before they are cooked or served, raw fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed with what?

Raw fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed with potable water to ensure that any dirt, bacteria, or pesticides are effectively removed. Potable water is safe for human consumption and does not carry harmful pathogens that could contaminate the fruits and vegetables. By using potable water, you ensure that the cleaning process does not introduce any new risks to food safety, which is vital for preventing foodborne illnesses.

Using other substances such as sanitizer could leave behind residues that may not be safe if ingested, and natural fruit or vegetable juice may not have the necessary cleaning properties to adequately remove contaminants. Non-potable water, which can contain harmful microorganisms, should never be used for washing food, as it increases the risk of contamination. Thus, rinsing raw fruits and vegetables with potable water is the best and safest practice.