“Not suitable for human consumption”: 3 packaged salads failed the AK test

The salads from supermarkets and discount stores were tested in the laboratory for food germs such as bacteria, fungi and yeasts, and their appearance, taste, smell, texture and color were also assessed.

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The assessment was then carried out according to the guideline and warning values ​​for “mixed salads, packaged goods for sale to the consumer”, which the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) recommends, as well as the so-called justified consumer expectations.

Test winner from S-Budget

According to the test, good quality is available for little money. Only the salad from S-Budget was completely convincing. The test winner costs 50 cents per 100 grams. For comparison: the remaining salads cost between 50 cents and 2.19 euros per 100 grams.

Four other products achieved acceptable test results. When tasted, they showed slight defects – for example in smell, taste or texture. In addition, according to the microbiological examination, the salads were contaminated with yeast. In one case, the mold limit was exceeded.

“Not suitable for human consumption”

In 3 salads, the measured bacteria counts of Bacillus cereus were higher than the warning value recommended by the DGHM – 2 were classified as “not suitable for human consumption”. The group of Bacillus cereus bacteria includes several species – including a harmless germ that is used as a biopesticide to control insects in lettuce cultivation. But this also includes germs that can cause diarrhea and vomiting. According to the AK, it is not possible to differentiate between the germs. Because the risk of illness cannot be ruled out, the samples did not meet “legitimate consumer expectations”.

The mixed salad for which the warning value for mold was exceeded had to be washed thoroughly. Then it could also be eaten without hesitation. However, enjoyment looks different, say the consumer advocates: The salads in question smelled and tasted so musty, among other things, that the results of the tasting were not exactly appetizing.

Wash thoroughly

The Chamber of Labor recommends washing salads thoroughly with water before consumption – even if the packaging says something like “ready to eat and washed”. You should also trust your own senses: If the salad smells yeasty, fermented, sour or musty when you open the package or if the salad has brown spots, then it should be thrown away.