# How can simple household procedures reduce exposure to pesticides from fruits and vegetables: current habits and recommendations

## TL;DR

This study explores how household practices like washing and peeling can reduce pesticide exposure from fruits and vegetables in Croatia.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into current cleaning habits and offers practical recommendations to reduce pesticide intake in households.

## Key findings

- Most households wash fruits and vegetables, but over 60% do not peel them even when possible.
- The study highlights the need for better consumer education on reducing pesticide exposure through household practices.

## Abstract

Healthy as they may be, fruits and vegetables may significantly contribute to dietary pesticide intake in modern households. However, certain simple procedures, such as washing and peeling food, can help reduce this intake. Our study looks deeper into the habits of cleaning fruits and vegetables before consumption or cooking in the households of the Croatian capital Zagreb and its surroundings, based on data collected in the first, 2022–2023 wave of a larger cohort study “Exposure to pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides in children – risk assessment for adverse effects on neuropsychological development and hormonal status”. Data were collected with a questionnaire completed by volunteering parents or legal guardians. Although almost all households reported washing fruits and vegetables before consumption or cooking, over 60 % did not peel fruits and vegetables that can be consumed with the peel, such as apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, and tomatoes (raw and cooked). In addition, we provide general recommendations for reducing dietary exposure to pesticide residues through simple household procedures. Croatian consumers should be better informed about which food products may contribute to higher pesticide exposure and how to reduce it.