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
Chautauqua Winter Vegetable Meeting

February 10, 2023
Clymer, NY
Meeting will feature growers from Ohio sharing their production know-how and thoughts on food safety. Other topics include weed control, pesticide safety, and the impact of poor crop nutrition. 0.75 DEC credits in 1a, 23 plus 0.5 in CORE, which is good for all categories. Trade show booths available.
Meeting cost is $20/person, includes snacks and educational materials. Registration required by 4 pm on Friday, February 3.
Orleans Regional Vegetable Meeting

February 15, 2023
Albion, NY
Offering presentations in pesticide safety, tips for managing diseases in vegetable crops, how to attract beneficial insects to your field, herbicide options for cole crops, and strawberry disease information. Meeting cost is $10 per person, payable at the door via cash or check. Pre-registration requested by 5:00 pm on Monday, February 13.
DEC credits available: 2.25 in 1a and 10; 2.0 in 23; 1.5 in 22; and 0.5 in CORE (used in all categories)!!
NYS Processing Vegetable Industry Roundtable Meeting

March 15, 2023 : Morning Session: Snap Beans, Sweet Corn, and Peas
Batavia, NY
Processing vegetable industry members who grow, manage, or support snap bean, sweet corn, or pea production for Nortera and/or Seneca Foods, should attend this session of the roundtable meeting. You will:
- Network at this in-person meeting.
- Learn the results of industry-funded research.
- Have a voice in Cornell research and extension.
- Earn 2.0 DEC credits in categories 1a, 10, 23 and CCA recertification credits.
This FREE event is followed by lunch! Pre-registration requested.
March 15, 2023 : Lunch Break and Networking
Lunch is FREE to anyone attending either the Morning Session or the Afternoon Session of the NYS Processing Vegetable Industry Roundtable Meeting. Registration is required.

March 15, 2023 : Afternoon Session: Beets and Carrots
Batavia, NY
Processing vegetable industry members who grow, manage, or support beet or carrot production for Nortera, Seneca Foods and/or Love Beets, should attend this session of the roundtable meeting. You will:
- Network at this in-person meeting.
- Learn the results of industry-funded research.
- Have a voice in Cornell research and extension.
- Earn 2.0 DEC credits in categories 1a, 10, 23 and CCA recertification credits.
Lunch is provided before this session. It's FREE! Pre-registration requested.