Caution Advised for Bagged Lettuce Consumption
Prewashed bagged greens like lettuce and spinach pose significant food safety risks due to contamination with bacteria such as E. coli, which can occur at various points in the supply chain from farm to store. Washing these greens at home does not eliminate pathogens and may increase contamination risk. Experts recommend checking for recalls, inspecting freshness, minimizing temperature fluctuations, and opting for whole heads of lettuce when possible to reduce health risks.