“Is it safe to eat baby carrots that have a white film on the outside?” Social media posts circulating have lead consumers to believe that the white film is a chlorine residue from processing that could cause cancer. This is an internet myth that has been making the rounds for years.
True facts. The white film on baby carrots is safe. It is little more than white blush which is a thin layer of dehydrated carrot. The film develops when the baby carrots are exposed to air and the outside becomes dry. Baby carrots do not have a protective skin to prevent them from drying. Most baby carrots are cut and shaped from larger deformed carrots really making them baby ‘cut’ carrots. According to a researcher at McGill University ”moisture loss from the carrot surface roughens the outer membranes causing light to scatter which in turn results in a whitish appearance.”
While it is true that carrots may be rinsed in a dilute solution of chlorine to rid bacteria, this has nothing to do with white blush. Instead of representing a cancer health hazard, carrot processing with chlorinated water is a health-protective step recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration to prevent foodborne outbreaks. The amount of chlorine used in processing is many levels below the allowable limit for drinking water. Prior to packaging, the little carrots go through a plain tap water rinse.
If white blush is undesirable for fresh carrot eating, they are still great for cooking. Besides showing white blush, baby carrots may also get rubbery if packages are not sealed. Rubbery carrots are safe to eat and may be used for cooking should they not make great snacks. Finally, baby carrots that go beyond rubbery to soft and slimy should be tossed.
Here’s some great baby-carrot storage facts from StillTasty.com
- How long do baby carrots last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions – keep baby carrots refrigerated.
- To maximize the shelf life of baby carrots, refrigerate in covered container or re-sealable plastic bag or wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- How long do baby carrots last in the fridge? Properly stored, baby carrots will last for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Can you freeze baby carrots? Yes, to freeze: (1) Blanch (plunge into boiling water) baby carrots for two minutes and chill quickly in ice cold water; (2) Drain off excess moisture, package in airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze immediately.
- Frozen baby carrots will soften when thawed and are best used in cooked dishes.
- How long do baby carrots last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 12 to 18 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
- The freezer time shown is for best quality only – carrots that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
- How to tell if baby carrots are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the baby carrots: discard any carrots that have an off smell or appearance; if mold appears, discard the baby carrots.
So put the internet myth to rest and enjoy your baby carrots!
Reviewed and updated 5/2024, mg.
