Washing This Popular Lettuce At Home Can Actually INCREASE The Risk Of Contamination

Amid heightened concern over produce safety following a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce, food safety experts say washing pre-washed, bagged lettuce at home can actually increase contamination risk. North Carolina State's Otto Simmons and University of Connecticut's Indu Upadhyaya explain that triple-washed lettuce is already rinsed and sanitized industrially, and a home rewash exposes it to sinks, cutting boards, and utensils that may carry their own contaminants.

The FDA's own guidance confirms produce labeled pre-washed or ready-to-eat can be used without further washing, though it warns that if consumers do choose to rewash, they should avoid unclean surfaces. Experts add that washing and then storing lettuce before eating introduces moisture that can help any contaminants that do get introduced survive and multiply.

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