Is it true that the baby carrots i'm so fond of are treated with chlorine, as i recently heard? —A.K., Antioch, Ill.

Yes—and so are some whole carrots, as well as many other vegetables. But the practice appears safe. Manufacturers often treat produce—even organic produce—with a mild chlorine solution to disinfect it and extend its shelf life. But the concentrations are tiny compared with those used in, say, cleaning products, and they pose no known risk to humans. If you’d prefer to avoid the chemical anyway, choose produce fresh off a farm stand, or grow your own.

Find out when to buy organic fruits and vegetables, test your organic IQ, and see our tips for eating healthful on a budget.

Photo: iLoveButter