Remove Plastic from Your Fruit and Vegetables: Here’s Why It Matters for Your Health.

Health and Wellbeing Coach Francesca Lilleystone writes her weekly column for the Havering Daily.

Eating more fruit and vegetables is one of the simplest ways to boost your health and wellbeing. But as we head to the supermarket, one thing becomes immediately clear: the majority of our produce is wrapped in heavy plastic. From organic apples to sweet long peppers, our fruit and vegetables sit on the shelf tightly sealed, often in layers of packaging.

While it keeps produce looking neat, the plastic can pose a hidden risk to our health. Chemicals in plastics can leach into food, especially when produce is stored for several days. Over time, plastics also break down into tiny microplastics, which research shows can make their way into our bodies and potentially affect our long-term health.

Removing plastic from fruit and vegetables as soon as you get home is a simple, effective step towards safer eating. It also helps your produce stay fresher for longer. Wrapping can trap moisture, leading to quicker spoilage, whereas fruit and vegetables breathe naturally when left unwrapped.

Taking plastic off your produce is not just better for your health, it’s also better for the planet. Less plastic in your home means less plastic entering recycling streams and the environment, contributing to a cleaner, safer world.

Practical tips for healthier fruit and veg:

• Remove all plastic packaging before storing at home.
• Use breathable containers or bowls for storage.
• Wash produce thoroughly under running water.
• Choose loose, unpackaged options where possible.

Small changes like this can make a big difference to your wellbeing. By simply removing plastic from your fruit and vegetables, you’re reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, improving freshness, and taking a meaningful step towards a healthier lifestyle.

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