Are Pre-Cut Vegetables Bad?
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Ask the Diva: Are Pre-Cut Vegetables a Bad Idea?
Q. I’ve heard that some of the pre-sliced, diced, or peeled veggies are treated with chlorine to keep them fresh. Is that true and is that cause for concern? I find them SO convenient and time saving. If it means I eat pre-cut carrots over a candy bar for a snack, isn’t that a good thing? Help?!
Answer. It’s true that pre-cut vegetables are often washed in a weak chlorine solution to kill micro-organisms and help extend their shelf life, but that is not cause for concern. The vegetables are rinsed in plain water afterward and any remaining chlorine will quickly off-gas into the atmosphere. The downside of pre-cut veggies is that some of the vitamins are lost along the way–in particular, vitamin C. But I agree with you: pre-cut carrots are still a much better choice than a candy bar for a snack!
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.