Envelope salad: what risks does it hide?

Is the salad in a bag really ready to eat, or should it be washed? Let’s see what health risks it hides.

The salad in a bag is a lifeline when we have neither time nor desire to cook: just put it in a bowl, add a few pieces of cheese or tuna, salt, oil and dinner is ready.
But is it really already washed? Are we not taking any risks to eat it without washing it again? According to some studies, it seems that in reality it is not the best in hygiene. Let’s see why!

Does the salad in the bag hurt?

A 2018 study by the University of Turin reported the presence of high quantities of bacteria and other microorganisms in the salad in an envelope. The study, which was conducted on 100 salad bags, also revealed that the product begins to decay well before the expiration date indicated on the package.

This is because there are no preservatives in the salad in bags and freshness is guaranteed only by low temperatures . Throughout the journey, from packaging to sale in supermarkets, the salad should always be kept at a constant temperature and below 8 ° C. This is not always an easy condition, given that the refrigerated counters in supermarkets do not have a uniform temperature. , such as domestic refrigerators.

Furthermore, although before being packed the salads are washed twice in special tanks with continuous water exchange, the simple water is not able to eliminate all the bacteria . The percentage of bacteria remained, albeit low, at the slightest rise in temperature, it is able to multiply, activating a fermentation process that causes the bags to swell. If you see that the salad bag is swollen, therefore, avoid buying it, even if it has not expired.

Envelope salad and toxoplasmosis

Not all bacteria and microorganisms present are dangerous. However, there can be a very dangerous parasite, especially for pregnant women : Toxoplasma gondii , responsible for toxoplasmosis .

It is better, therefore, to always wash the salad thoroughly, even the ready-made one, adding a little baking soda or Amuchina to the water.