North Dakota, Think Twice Before Grabbing That Bagged Salad

We've all been there. After a long day, who wants to spend more time prepping veggies when there are handy bags of pre-washed salad and pre-cut fruits just waiting in the grocery store? They're quick, they’re convenient, and they seem healthy.

But here’s the scoop: those grab-and-go veggies might not be as harmless as they look. Barbara Kowalcyk, who leads the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University, warns that these bagged salads and pre-cut fruits can be hotspots for bacteria like E. coli.

What’s the Problem with Pre-Cut Produce?

When fruits and vegetables are pre-washed, chopped, and sealed, they go through a lot of handling, and that’s where things get risky. All that cutting and washing creates more spots for bacteria to latch on to. Plus, the moisture sealed into these bags is perfect for bacteria to thrive. And once it’s sealed in, E. coli and other germs can multiply quickly.

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According to Kowalcyk, the best bet is to go old-school with whole heads of lettuce and uncut veggies. Yes, it takes a little more time, but it’s worth it for your health—and it can actually taste fresher, too.

How to Make Sure Your Greens Are Clean

If you’re ready to ditch the bagged stuff and go back to whole produce, here’s a simple plan to make sure you’re doing it right:

1. Start by Ditching the Outer Leaves: The outer leaves of lettuce or cabbage are the ones most likely to pick up dirt and bacteria, so peel those off and toss them.
2. Check for Damage: As Kowalcyk says, “Any leaf that is torn or damaged, I just throw it away, because that’s how the bacteria can get in there.” Broken or bruised parts are like open doors for bacteria, so if you spot them, don’t hesitate to get rid of them.
3. Rinse and Dry: Give the remaining leaves or veggies a good rinse in cold water, then dry them off. A salad spinner can help, or just pat them down with a clean towel. Dry produce is less likely to grow bacteria, and it’ll keep your salads crisp.

Why Go the Extra Mile?

Even though the farmers’ markets have wrapped up for the season, your local grocery store still has plenty of fresh, whole veggies. Going for whole produce may take a few more minutes of prep, but it’s a small step that could make a big difference in your health.