NEW YORK — In a study conducted by Consumers Union about 40% of packaged “prewashed” or “triple-washed” bagged salads, sold in New York have unacceptable levels of bacteria associated with fecal contamination.
‘Pre-Washed’ Bagged Lettuce Aren’t As Clean As You Think
NEW YORK — In a study conducted by Consumers Union about 40% of packaged “prewashed” or “triple-washed” bagged salads, sold in New York have unacceptable levels of bacteria associated with fecal contamination.
Robert Dominguez writes for the New York Daily News
A recent investigation by Consumers Union found that many salad greens labeled as “prewashed” or “triple-washed” sold in tri-state supermarkets had high levels of bacteria linked to fecal contamination.
While the bacteria is not a public health risk, Consumers Union scientist Michael Hansen told WebMD.com that there is a higher likelihood of contamination with potentially fatal strains like E. coli and salmonella as a result.
In 2006, three people died and more than 100 were hospitalized from an E. coli outbreak traced to packaged spinach suspected of being contaminated by cattle and pig feces.
Investigators from Consumers Union, publishers of Consumer Reports, sampled more than 208 salads from 16 brands that were sold in bags or plastic containers last summer in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Nearly 40% of the samples contained unacceptable levels of bacteria associated with fecal contamination, according to WebMD.
The investigation, which will be detailed in the March issue of Consumer Reports, also found that salads which included spinach usually had higher bacteria levels than those without spinach; contamination levels were similar for produce in bags or clamshell containers, and produce labeled “organic” was just as likely to have high levels of the bacteria as other samples. Nationally distributed brands also had about the same levels of bacteria as smaller, regional brands.
In response, a joint statement from the Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association stressed that the bacteria did not pose a public health risk.“
”Consumer Union found only harmless, naturally occurring bacteria, for which no detection standards have been established by the federal government,“ the statement read.
Since the 1990s, packaged salads have become a near-$3 billion industry.
Consumers Union suggests only buying packaged salad products that are at least six days from their use-by date because they were found to have lower bacteria levels than products tested within five days.
And never mind the ”prewashed“ and ”triple-washed” labels. Packaged produce should be washed yet again – though it still won’t likely remove all the bacteria.
Bugs
At least they didn’t say they found insects.
tasty salad
Yeah, surely a litte “ cattle and pig feces” never hurt anyone!!!
shocking
eeeew, feces is far worse that insects
getzel
So in that case, the non-pre-washed would have far more bacteria or fecal contamination.
Hashgacha
Does this apply to the brands with a Hashgacha like Alei Katief
Doctor
This article is just misleading scare tactics.
EVERYTHING has bacteria. NOTHING is packed in sterile containers, except bandages in a hospital.
Common bacteria are harmless, and that’s what they found. There was no feces found anywhere. Common bacteria are found in feces, so what.
People please, this is just media scare tactics. You should always rinse off fresh fruits and vegetables, that’s just common sense.
Eat, enjoy, remember to make a bracha.
chanie
woe, makes you never want to eat anywhere but home.