People could find themselves facing an uncomfortable sickness this summer if they’re not careful
As the weather heats up in summer, people may want to opt for something lighter for lunch, like a salad. But a fresh health alert from UK authorities warns that these foods could make people ill if one very important step is ignored.
It may not always be possible to grab fresh food to whip up a refreshing and healthy salad, so many people instead reach for the premade packs available in most supermarkets. However, people who do this have been warned to take one extra step to avoid falling ill.
It might seem like common sense, but some people simply tip their bag out and tuck it in. Experts suggest taking one extra precaution to avoid coming into contact with bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
In a post on X, a spokesperson for the UK Health Security Agency said: “Even if the packet says washed and ready to eat, it’s worth giving it an extra rinse. Bacteria on one leaf can spread to the whole pack”
Most of these supermarket salads have already undergone a washing and sanitising process before packaging. But, not every bag will be labelled to confirm that it has or hasn’t been pre-washed – so it’s best to make sure and give your pack a rinse before eating.
A BBC report claimed that bagged salad may “fuel the growth of food-poisoning bugs”. It quoted the research of scientists from the University of Leicester who said the moist environment, combined with nutrients leaching out of chopped leaves, created the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
The researchers said they were shocked at the way the bacteria thrived, even in the fridge. They advised people to eat bagged salad on the day they bought it.
The report added that these studies showed that Salmonella did especially well in bags containing spinach, while E. coli loved rocket leaves. One of the scientists behind the research, Dr Primrose Freestone, advised the BBC: “Buy the bag with the best sell-by date, avoid lots of mushed leaves, and if it’s inflated, then don’t use it.”
Signs of sickness caused by salad are similar to any other food poisoning. The NHS claims people with food poisoning might notice:
- feeling sick or being sick
- diarrhoea
- tummy pain
- a high temperature
- feeling generally unwell
The symptoms usually start within a few hours or a few days of eating food that caused the infection. Sometimes symptoms do not start for a few weeks.
The condition usually improves on its own within a week. The health service advises staying at home, getting plenty of rest, and drinking lots of fluids, such as water or squash.