Fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly ____ before use.

Fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly ____ before use.

• A. Wash
• B. Clean
• C. Rinse
• D. Peel

Answer: (B)

Thorough sanitation of produce comes from cleaning to remove dirt, soil, and surface residues that can harbor microbes. The best choice is clean because it captures the full action needed—removing grime and making the surface safe and ready for use, not just a quick water rinse. A rinse alone may leave embedded dirt behind, and peeling isn’t always appropriate or necessary for all fruits and vegetables. Washing is part of cleaning, but phrasing it as cleaning emphasizes the complete effort to prepare produce properly for use.

Thorough sanitation of produce comes from cleaning to remove dirt, soil, and surface residues that can harbor microbes. The best choice is clean because it captures the full action needed—removing grime and making the surface safe and ready for use, not just a quick water rinse. A rinse alone may leave embedded dirt behind, and peeling isn’t always appropriate or necessary for all fruits and vegetables. Washing is part of cleaning, but phrasing it as cleaning emphasizes the complete effort to prepare produce properly for use.