Q&A: Are baby carrots treated with chlorine?
Is it true that the baby carrots i'm so fond of are treated with chlorine, as i recently heard? —A.K., Antioch, Ill.
Yes—and so are some whole carrots, as well as many other vegetables. But the practice appears safe. Manufacturers often treat produce—even organic produce—with a mild chlorine solution to disinfect it and extend its shelf life. But the concentrations are tiny compared with those used in, say, cleaning products, and they pose no known risk to humans. If you’d prefer to avoid the chemical anyway, choose produce fresh off a farm stand, or grow your own.
Find out when to buy organic fruits and vegetables, test your organic IQ, and see our tips for eating healthful on a budget.
Photo: iLoveButter
Posted by: R W K Allen | Apr 12, 2009 11:45:56 PM
know the difference between true "baby carrots" and "baby cut carrots"
Posted by: Don | Apr 10, 2009 4:44:19 PM
Not only are the "baby carrots" washed with chlorine, they are not actually baby carrots at all. They are regular sized carrots that are cut into 2 inch pieces and then put through a tumbler to remove the outer layer or skin.
The carrots that make it into the baby carrot process are the ones that are not usually fit to be displayed at the grocery store. They are usually the bent ugly carrots that wouldn't sell without the processing.