Salads In An Envelope Pose A Risk Of Food Poisoning
Author: Marko Balašević
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
January 27, 2026
Salads that are sold sliced and packed in an envelope may contain salmonella and Escherichia coli.
Ready-made packaged salads can "feed" bacteria that cause food poisoning, such as salmonella , and even make bacteria even more dangerous, researchers say.
They explain that the humid environment, in combination with the nutrients released from the cut leaves, create ideal conditions for the development and reproduction of bacteria . The researchers explained that they were shocked by the way the bacteria grow, even when the salad is stored in the refrigerator, and advised that it be consumed the same day it was purchased.
Although they are healthy, fresh green leaves and salads are often associated with food poisoning.
Studies show that lettuce may contain bacteria , but a research team from the University of Leicester in England has shown that the bag in which the lettuce is stored worsens the situation.
They are often moist to keep the freshness of the vegetables, which are usually chopped - for convenience. The latest study in the field states that chopped vegetables release sugars, protein and minerals . It is also stated that the initial infection with the amount of 100 salmonella bacteria increases to 100 thousand in just 5 days.
Experts add that envelopes containing spinach are especially beneficial for this bacterium, while for Escherichia coli are those that contain arugula.
There is also evidence that the bacterium becomes more dangerous when it grows in envelopes. Genetic analysis of salmonella shows the presence of mutations in bacteria that help them infect the human body.
Experts recommend that consumers store packaged salads at a temperature at which products such as milk and ice cream are stored.
The data are published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology .
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