Do you buy ready-to-eat salads? Here’s a health warning

In Russia, at least 139 people have recently sought medical help for botulism symptoms that are possibly linked to ready-to-eat salads, the authorities stated on Monday. Botulism is a kind of rare disease caused by toxins from Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Consumption of contaminated food can cause breathing problems, paralysis, and even death. Common sources of botulism include preserves, fermented or canned foods. Symptoms of this illness include diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, dry mouth, blurred vision, and difficulty speaking or swallowing. 121 people in Moscow have reported suspected botulism. With 30 in intensive care and 55 in serious condition, as per Anaastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor. A city 400 kilometres east of Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, reported that nine people sought medical help for suspected botulism, with nine people in serious condition. In Kazan, another city, six people were hospitalised with botulism symptoms. Some cases have been associated with two brands of ready-made salads by the authorities in charge of health. Russia’s public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, halted such food chains on Saturday with the first poisoning cases.

Demerits of Eating Ready-to-eat Salads

A recent review paper in the Foods journal analyses different studies on minimally processed vegetables. The study suggests that salads that are sanitised might also contain bacteria. Bacteria that are mostly found in ready-to-eat salads are called Listeria monocytogenes, which cause Listeria infections. This bacteria mainly affects newborn babies, pregnant women, and people of and above 65 years of age. Another type of bacteria that is found in ready-to-eat salads is Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.

Food poisoning from Salmonella bacteria can lead to symptoms like fever, cramps, and diarrhoea. Some infections are also caused by Escherichia coli, which are found in minimally processed vegetables and can be life-threatening.

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The bacteria that are found in ready-to-eat salads can cause disadvantages to your health as they may also contain hidden ingredients.

What does Expert Daniele Maffei have to say about ready-to-eat salads?

The market for ready-to-eat salads has expanded globally. Daniele Maffei, a professor at the University of Sao Paulo, has stated that “MPVs and fresh vegetables are linked with foodborne diseases. This link is a matter of concern. MPVs are disinfected and sanitised, but according to the studies, this process can be flawed, putting the health of consumers in danger. Measures are needed to avoid cross-contamination and flaws.” The expert also added, “More and more people want healthy food that can be prepared in a short time because of busy lifestyles. This trend has led to a rise in demand for ready-to-eat salads.”.

Try your best to avoid any type of bacteria entering your body; it can be dangerous for your life. It is suggested that you should completely prohibit eating ready-to-eat salads and try to eat fresh veggies and fruits at home. If you cannot do this, then try to protect yourself from the bacteria by checking the expiration date of ready-to-eat salads and checking the package before buying.