← Back
Countries

United Kingdom: Local fruit and vegetables

Apples, pears, plums, berries and root vegetables are widely available in the United Kingdom. During treatment, rules for washing, peeling and cooking matter.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, fruit in a basket.
Figure 1.Apples and plums — United Kingdom: Local fruit and vegetables

01Short answer

In season there are plenty of apples, pears, plums, strawberries, raspberries, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, peas and potatoes. Choose whole, undamaged fruit, wash it well under running water and peel it when possible. Hard-to-wash berries, bagged salads and raw sprouts may be limited during neutropenia; roasted or steamed vegetables are a good alternative.

02Simple explanation

Whole: undamaged.

Wash: under running water.

Cook: the vegetables.

03Scientific explanation

Sprouts: the FDA advises at-risk groups to avoid raw sprouts.

Water: UK tap-water quality is overseen by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

04What happens in the body?

Local fruit

Apples and pears are whole and easy to wash.

Cooked vegetables

Roasted root vegetables are soft and safe.

On a dark navy background, vegetables from the oven.
Figure 2.Root vegetables — United Kingdom: Local fruit and vegetables

Washing

Rinse fruit under running water before cutting.

On a dark navy background, pears under a tap.
Figure 3.Washing — United Kingdom: Local fruit and vegetables

05The fruit and vegetable rule

Four steps.

Whole — Choose it.1WholeChoose it.
Wash — Running water.2WashRunning water.
Peel — When possible.3PeelWhen possible.
Cook — Vegetables.4CookVegetables.
VitaminsA colourful table.
SafetyLower risk.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Local fruitApples and pears are whole and easy to wash.
Cooked vegetablesRoasted root vegetables are soft and safe.
WashingRinse fruit under running water before cutting.

07Key terms

Parsnip
Parsnip.
Bagged salad
Pre-washed salad in a bag.
Sprouts
Bean sprouts.
Punnet
Small berry box.

08Key points

  • Skip damaged fruit.
  • Wash before cutting.
  • No raw sprouts.
  • Eat cut fruit straight away.
  • Ask about grapefruit.

09Frequently asked questions

Are raspberries and strawberries allowed?

They are hard to wash; ask your team during neutropenia.

Bagged salad?

Usually not recommended during neutropenia; discuss with your team.

Frozen vegetables?

A good choice once cooked.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are raspberries and strawberries allowed?

  2. Bagged salad?

  3. Frozen vegetables?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food
  2. FoodSafety.gov (U.S.). Food Safety for People with Cancer
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases
  4. World Health Organization (WHO). Drinking-water — fact sheet
  5. Food Standards Agency. Official website
  6. MedlinePlus. Flow cytometry
  7. World Health Organization (WHO). Blood safety and availability
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medical Tourism: Getting Medical Care in Another Country
  9. American Cancer Society. Where to Find Cancer Care
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →