Salads or smoothies Food from leaves can contain pathogens

Pathogens in foods of leaves and grasses
Most Germans eat salad several times a week. Even teas or smoothies are regularly served on the table. Experts now point out that pathogens can be found in foods that contain leaves or grasses. However, there are ways to minimize the health risks.

Germans eat more and more leaves and grass products
According to a recent study, it is becoming increasingly important for many Germans to eat healthier. Consumption of meat, sugar and fatty foods is reduced. Healthy foods are on the rise. As reported by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), leaf and grass products are increasingly consumed in Germany. However, these can be contaminated with various pathogens, the experts write in a statement. They must therefore always be washed thoroughly.

The Germans eat more and more leaf and grass products. However, foods such as salads, smoothies or teas may contain pathogens. With the right hygiene measures, health risks can be minimized. (Image: Dani Vincek / fotolia.com)

Necessary hygiene measures
"Salads, leafy vegetables, herbs, teas and green smoothies are perceived by most people as healthy food all around," said BfR President Professor Dr. med. Dr. Andreas Hensel.

"It is all the more important to point out that hygiene measures are also necessary for these foods. Regardless, a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is actually the best nutritional strategy. "

The BfR has now published a detailed statement on the contamination of leaf and grass products with bacteria that can cause disease in humans.

Valuable products include fresh leafy vegetables including leafy lettuce and herbs, dried leaf and grass products such as dietary supplements, dried herbs and tea leaves, and green smoothies.

Bacterial pathogens
According to BfR, leafy lettuce and fresh herbs in Germany are consumed by almost the entire population very often. Tea is more often consumed by women than by men, the consumption of tea increases with age.

Bacterial pathogens that can be found in grass and leaf products include Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Listeria and EHEC.

According to the information, there are so far only few documented cases of bacterial food infections in Germany due to the consumption of grass or leaf products.

Recommendations for risk minimization
Nevertheless, to protect consumers, the BfR issues the following general recommendations for risk minimization:

Fresh leaf products should be thoroughly washed before raw consumption and consumed as quickly as possible. Shredded fresh leaf products should be stored at maximum seven degrees until consumption and consumed quickly.

Freshly prepared green smoothies should be stored at maximum seven degrees and consumed on the day of production.

Through a strong acidification of the smoothies, for example, by processing citrus fruits or adding lemon juice, the proliferation of bacteria can be slowed down or completely prevented.

Herbal teas should be infused with bubbly boiling water.

Since there may be a health risk with packaged salads, pregnant women and people whose defenses are weakened by old age, pre-existing conditions or medication should abstain from eating as a precaution and instead prepare salads from fresh and thoroughly washed ingredients just before consumption.

Dietary supplements made from dried leaf and grass products should only be eaten by these persons after consultation with a doctor. (Ad)