Practicality is undoubtedly their strong point: open the package, season and you are immediately ready to enjoy them. We are talking about bagged salads that have won over many consumers thanks to the convenience they offer, and it is no coincidence that they are among the best-selling products in the fruit and vegetable department. But how safe and quality are they really?
To find out, a new test of Lifesaver analyzed 12 salads in a bag (specifically it was songino or valerian), products of the following brands:
The analyzes of the samples, chosen from among the most widespread references on the market (including two organic salads), were conducted by accredited laboratories, which evaluated microbiological safety, hygiene and presence of pesticides and nitrates.
The final ratings were assigned considering various factors: 50% of the score was determined by the presence of pesticide residues, evaluating the total number of molecules and the risk profile. 30% of the score comes from microbiological analyses, divided into 15% for the quantity of total microorganisms and 15% for coliforms. Finally, 20% of the score was attributed based on the amount of nitrates present in the samples.
The results
Let’s start with the good news: all the salads tested comply with the legal limits regarding microbiological safety. No trace of dangerous bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella or Escherichia coli, often protagonists of food scandals, such as the one which in September led to the withdrawal from the market of thirty contaminated brands.
Unfortunately, however, they emerge problems relating to the total load of microorganisms and the presence of coliforms, soil-bound bacteria. In some samples, the values significantly exceed the guide levels established by some municipal tenders for public canteens.
In particular, two products register 500 and 440 million total microorganisms respectively, compared to the 5-50 million considered acceptable. As he explains Lifebuoy:
If for the total count, the numbers we recorded are probably linked to a thermal shock (cold chain not respected), for coliforms these are inadequate sanitization processes. There is no immediate risk to consumers, but experts recommend home washing.
Then there is the issue of pesticides. No sample was found to be completely free of pesticides, not even organic ones. They range from a single trace of residue (under 0.01 mg/kg) to a maximum of 8 different molecules in the same package, which immediately brings to mind the possible health risks of the “cocktail effect“.
Among the pesticides detectedamong other things, some are suspected of being carcinogenic or endocrine disruptors (fenhexamid, fludioxonil and fluopyram).
As regards i nitratesfinally, the levels of the samples were all within the legal limits but with large differences. These compounds, naturally present in salads and often linked to the use of fertilizers, can transform into potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines. In the test, concentrations ranged between 383 mg/kg and 4,566 mg/kg, with only one product approaching the maximum allowable limit of 5,000 mg/kg.
The worst bagged salads
Among the bagged salads analysed, two in particular stood out negatively due to the presence of pesticides and poor hygiene. These are:
For the complete results of the bagged salad test, refer to the December 2024 issue of Lifesaver.
We choose loose salad
Despite the decidedly higher cost of bagged salads, which is between 10 and 12 euros per kg, compared to 2-2.50 euros per kg for whole heads, the packaged salads sector, known as fresh-cut salads, continues to dominate the market. In Italy, the sector is worth one billion euros and sells around 800 million packages every year.
Ideal, however, for those who want a cheaper option with less environmental impactis to choose loose salad (preferably from organic farming). Of course, it is important to always wash it before consumption.
