How to Wash Produce Using a Peracetic Acid (PAA) Solution
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

This how-to guide will take you through the steps necessary to wash produce in a food safe manner. From calculation of sanitizer rates to washing procedures, many variables can affect the safety of produce on your farm. The guide details the materials you will need, preparation, calculating and mixing the peracetic acid solution, washing produce, and testing turbidity.
This publication is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under award number 2012-49200-20031.
How to Wash Produce Using a Peracetic Acid Solution, revised April 2018 (pdf; 1458KB)


Upcoming Events
Allegany-Steuben Summer Vegetable Meeting, 2025

August 19, 2025
Wellsville, NY
Field walk featuring crop protection best practices, skill practice, and farmer-to-farmer discussions. Vine crop fruit diseases and insect management, tomato foliar diseases including late blight, and cole crops will be special focuses.
2.0 DEC credits available in 1a, 10 and 23.
2025 Chipping Potato Twilight Meeting

September 4, 2025
Dansville, NY
Join us for a brief, on-farm meeting including insect pest updates and viewing of the chipping potato variety trial. 1.0 DEC credits in categories 10, 1a, and 23 will be offered. Dinner follows!