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Do bagged salads and cantaloupes need to be washed?

WASHINGTON – When using bagged, pre-washed greens, don’t assume they’re good straight from the bag.

It’s a good idea to rinse the leaves, because bacteria can still be lurking inside those bags.

Consumer Reports on Health says to rinse thin-skinned produce, such as plums and tomatoes, under cool running water and follow up with a vegetable brush.

It also recommends giving cantaloupe a good scrubbing before taking a knife to it. Bacteria can settle in the rough rind and when a knife cuts through, the inside can get contaminated.

There is no need to wash off eggs before cooking or raw meat and poultry. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly.

²ÝÝ®´«Ã½’s Paula Wolfson contributed to this report. Follow on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½. All Rights Reserved.)

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