What Everyone Should Know About Packaged Salads

Upon their introduction to U.S. Supermarkets, Packaged Salads seemed too good to be true. No fuss, no purchasing a plethora of ingredients. Simply, buy one bag, cut it open, and dump its contents in a bowl. Add the various extras your brand may or may not contain; such as croutons, shredded cheese, dressing etc., and voila, your dinner has a simple and healthy addition as flavorful as if it was ordered at any restaurant. Alas, like many things, it may indeed be too good to be true.
In the beginning there was general concern over the safety of packaged salads, particularly in relation to botulism. Botulism is a rare, but potential fatal illness that causes paralysis. Food borne Botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the Botulism toxin. This toxin thrives in Oxygen low environments, such as canned goods, and various other packaged and preserved foods.

However, fears of Botulism were quelled by reports that the bags containing the packaged salads were invented especially for prolonging the life of the greens. They were scientific works of genius. Basically, when the greens start to turn, the bags produce more Carbon Dioxide. With a throwback to high school chemistry, we know that this increase in Carbon Dioxide reduces the Oxygen levels in the bags. This shift in Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen levels slows the natural expiring of the lettuce. As mentioned before, Botulism occurs in environments with low levels of Oxygen. So you may be concerned at this point upon reading of the intended reduction in Oxygen levels. Rest assured, these “breathing” bags as they are called, are meant to keep a proper balance of Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen levels, thus preventing not only any risk of botulism, but also prolonging the life of the greens.

With the botulism fears behind them, consumers flocked to this latest time saving innovation and producers were eager to fill their demands. However, in September of 2005, another red flag was raised in relation to packaged salads. This time however, it was E-coli.

While the E-coli virus is most often found in meat, it can also be transmitted by contaminated fruits, leafy green vegetables; and, surprisingly, water. It is not detectable by sight or smell, and in rare cases has no symptoms. Generally, however, the symptoms are bloody diarrhea and stomach cramping. The E-coli virus can also grow more serious and have further, more severe complications.

In September of 2005, throughout Washington, Oregon, and most notably in Minnesota, at least seventeen people where diagnosed with the E-coli Virus. And it was determined they had contracted the virus through eating Dole’s packaged salads. Two people where hospitalized, but thankfully, there were no fatalities.

Dole worked quickly, recalling their products and working closely with the Food and Drug Administration.
But that was September 2005, almost a year ago. Since then, there have been no reported cases of illness related to Dole or any other brand of packaged salads. So why the resurgence of buzz? In April of this year Dateline NBC aired a segment focusing on one of the young E-coli victims from Minnesota. Eleven-year-old Amber Brister. Another log on the fire came from Dole’s court settlement in June of this year relating to the E-coli illnesses of 2005. Both the recent news segment, and the publicity of that court settlement have grabbed the ears of a small, but determined audience. Who is spreading the health fears slowly but effectively, through various methods, including pass-it-on emails (of which I was a recipient).

While I personally prefer to buy a head of lettuce and chop it myself, the few saved seconds form not chopping are tempting, especially for those with families. The bottom line? Only you know what risks you are and are not comfortable taking.
The most common conclusion found is that if you are going to buy packaged food, of any kind, pay attention to the date usage guidelines and follow them closely. And always wash all fruits and vegetables, regardless of their packaging. And finally, keeping this in mind, when it comes to you and your family’s health, what’s a few extra seconds of preparation.