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Dec 1, 2025 - Foods

Germ contamination in ready-to-eat leafy salads: Health risk identified for consumers

Chilled, ready-to-eat labeled leafy salads can contain health-threatening germs. An investigation of 312 samples from the retail food trade shows that packaged leafy salads, which are considered washed and ready-to-eat, can be contaminated with dangerous germs such as salmonella and shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). In 6 samples (2.2 %), STEC was detected, including serotypes that can cause EHEC infections. In 2 samples (0.6 %), salmonella was found.

Markus Tielke, Chairman of the State Working Group on Consumer Protection (LAV), warns: “Ready-to-eat leafy salads can be a source of infections with salmonella and STEC. Since consumers trust the labeling, they often no longer wash the salads, thereby unknowingly ingesting the germs.”

The Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) recommends that particularly sensitive individuals such as seniors and immunocompromised people avoid eating packaged salads and instead use fresh, thoroughly washed ingredients. Since salmonella can cause diarrhea and STEC bacteria can trigger severe intestinal inflammation and kidney failure.

At our BAV Institute, we conduct microbiological examinations of salads in accordance with DGHM Recommendation 12.1 for mixed salads, packaged goods for sale to the consumer regularly. We provide you with fast and reliable results and are happy to advise you on all matters related to product safety. Our customer advisors are happy to assist you with any questions.

Source: www.bvl.bund.de