Broken leaves in salad bags raise salmonella risk 2,400-fold – study

Researchers say bacteria naturally present on leaves grows much faster once bag is opened, even when kept in fridge

Broken leaves in bags of prepared salad can hugely increase the risk of salmonella, a study suggests.

Scientists found that juices released from damaged leaves in bagged mixed salad and spinach increased the risk of the bacteria 2,400-fold. It also increased the bacteria's virulence, enhancing its ability to cause infection.