Enveloped salad: what risks does it hide?

Is the bagged salad really ready to eat, or does it need to be washed? Let's see what health risks it hides.

Enveloped salad is a lifeline when we don't have the time or 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 in no danger of eating it without washing it again? According to some studies, it seems that in reality it is not the best hygiene. Let's see why!

Is bagged salad bad for you?

A 2018 study by the University of Turin reported the presence of high quantities of bacteria and other microorganisms in bagged salad. The study, which was conducted on 100 bags of salad, also showed that the product starts to deteriorate well before the expiry date indicated on the package.

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

Furthermore, although the salads are washed twice in special tanks with continuous water exchange before being packaged, plain water is not able to eliminate all bacteria . The remaining percentage of bacteria, albeit low, can multiply at the slightest increase in temperature, 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 is not expired.

Envelope salad and toxoplasmosis

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

Therefore, it is better to always wash the salad carefully, even the one that is already ready, adding a little bicarbonate of soda or Amuchina to the water.

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