Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
Many people opt for pre-washed bagged lettuce as a convenience.
It’s me.
I am “many people.”
But is it actually safe to consume without washing it yourself?
The conservative answer to that question is an unpopular, “it depends.”
While we expect that we can trust the words printed in black and white. People have been sickened by those words. “Pre-washed” and “ready-to-eat” bagged lettuce has resulted in hundreds of illnesses in the not-so-distant past.
A memory that makes many question that trust.
Let’s take a look at some of the big ones.
A multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections was traced back to bagged salad product containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots made by Fresh Express. Many packaged under other branded labels and sold in big grocery chains. Stores like ALDI, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, ShopRite, and Walmart.
In total, there were at least 690 reported cases across 13 states.
Another multistate outbreak linked to packaged leafy greens was announced in 2021. This time the manufacturer was Dole and the germ was Listeria monocytogenes. But the outcome was the same.
At least 18 people across 13 states became sick with the outbreak strain.
Several other outbreaks have been linked to bagged lettuce products.
These outbreaks occur quite regularly. More regularly than I would prefer anyway.
The opinion of your humble content writer who regularly researches all the places where good food goes bad and the number of people who get sick from it as well as the opinion of professionals in the field may hold sway. But I went to the source.
The governing body for most food and all produce in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Better known as the FDA.
So, what do they say on the matter?
The agency, in a webpage on Selecting and Serving Produce Safely, actually suggests that you do not wash “pre-washed” or “ready-to-eat” produce.
Other experts, like scientists at the University of Minnesota, agree. Citing that “the risk of cross-contamination from food handlers and food contact surfaces used during washing may outweigh any safety benefits that further washing may do.”
If you do plan to wash produce that is already marked as pre-washed, “be sure that it does not come in contact with unclean surfaces or utensils” to avoid cross contamination, says the FDA.
Experts seem pretty confident in the safety of pre-washed bagged lettuce.
Why is that?
Much like other aspects of our food supply, food manufacturers selling this type of product, particularly those in sealed bags labeled “washed,” “triple washed,” or “ready-to-eat” are required to be produced in an inspected facility. They operate under regulatory authority and must follow “Good Manufacturing Practices.” A term the industry shortens to GMP.
These products should be shipped, stored, and displayed under refrigeration.
Additionally, many of these bagged leafy greens are irradiated to kill harmful germs like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes. A process that should, in addition to the wash steps, remove any of these potentially deadly germs.
As long as the bags so no evidence of mishandling (open or torn bags, appear to be repackaged, prematurely spoiled product, etc.) the product should be safe to consume as-is.
While any food can become cross-contaminated, people in higher risk groups often err on the side of caution more so than others.
Who am I talking about?
The very young, the very old, those with a weakened immune system, and people who are pregnant. Listeria, a common foodborne germ, can have dire consequences for a pregnancy and newborns.
These people may opt to re-wash the pre-washed greens. But caution around cross-contamination during this process is key.
While I have your attention, I’d like to take the opportunity to share some produce safety tips to help keep you and your family safe during food preparation.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after food preparation. Or when you feel like your hands may be dirty.
Always wash your hands between preparing raw and ready-to-eat foods.
Throw away any produce that looks spoiled or rotten. For fresh fruits and vegetables that you believe can be salvaged, cut away damaged or bruised areas.
All produce should be washed before consumed or used as an ingredient. This includes food grown in your home garden, those from the farmers’ market, and of course from the grocery store.
Even wash produce that you do not consume the rind.
Yes.
Even avocados.
And especially melons.
I know it isn’t easy, but your safety is more important than the trouble it is worth.
Soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash is not recommended. This is because most produce is porous, meaning those suds and chemicals may absorb into your fruits and vegetables.
Good ole’ running water is your best bet.
Firm produce like cucumbers and melons can be scrubbed with a clean produce brush. These brushes are non-abrasive, but can get into the nooks and crevices where dirt and germs may be hiding.
Don’t undo your work by drying your clean produce with a dirty towel. Always use a clean towel or disposable paper towel to dry freshly washed, wet produce.
Many fresh fruits and vegetables benefit from refrigeration. Strawberries, lettuce, herbs, and mushrooms, among others. All pre-cut or packaged produce should be refrigerated.
Make sure your refrigerator is cold enough. Use a thermometer to check that it is keeping the food inside at 40° F or below.
Inquiring minds want to know. Do YOU wash pre-washed bagged lettuce and other produce? Personally, I usually trust the wash. But I keep a close eye on outbreaks and recall notices. I happen to know a great place to get that information. And more.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Wash? Or Not Wash? Bagged Lettuce Addition,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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