Salad in a bag: what risks does it hide?

Is the salad in a bag really ready to eat, or does it need to 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 in no danger of eating it without washing it again? According to some studies, it seems that in reality it is not the best of hygiene. Let’s see why!

Is salad in a bag bad for you?

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

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

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

Salad in envelope 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 .

Therefore, it is better to always wash the salad thoroughly, even the ready-made one, adding a little sodium bicarbonate or Amuchina to the water.