Nutritionists warn Nigerians against cutting vegetables before taking them home

By Blessing Fali

Nutritionists have advised Nigerians to stop cutting vegetables at markets, warning that the practice could expose the food to contamination and cause the loss of essential nutrients.

The experts said vegetables should be purchased whole and properly washed at home before they are cut for cooking.

According to them, cutting vegetables in markets exposes the inner parts to dirt, dust, bacteria and other contaminants, especially where hygiene standards are poor.

They explained that washing vegetables after cutting them could also increase nutrient loss, particularly water soluble nutrients such as vitamin C, folate and some B vitamins.

The nutritionists advised consumers to carefully select fresh vegetables, take them home, wash them thoroughly under clean running water and only then cut them.

They also warned against washing vegetables with detergents or other chemicals, saying clean water is sufficient when the vegetables are properly handled.

The experts stressed that proper handling of vegetables from the market to the kitchen is important for reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and preserving their nutritional value.