Many people automatically wash their vegetables before eating them, but what about bagged lettuce labeled “pre-washed” or “ready to eat”? Surprisingly, food safety guidance generally says that washing these greens again at home is unnecessary. Commercially washed lettuce has already gone through a cleaning process, and an additional rinse does not guarantee that harmful bacteria will be removed.

In fact, washing ready-to-eat lettuce again can sometimes introduce new contamination through dirty hands, kitchen sinks, countertops, or utensils. The best approach is to handle the greens carefully and keep them away from raw meat, unwashed produce, and other potential sources of bacteria. People at higher risk of foodborne illness should be particularly careful when choosing and handling fresh vegetables.

If you prefer to rinse your lettuce anyway, use clean hands, a clean sink or colander, and running water. Never use soap, bleach, or household cleaning products on vegetables. After rinsing, dry the leaves with a clean paper towel or salad spinner. Remember, however, that an extra wash does not necessarily make commercially prepared greens safer.

Proper storage is just as important as washing. Keep bagged lettuce refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, follow the package instructions, and discard greens that become slimy, moldy, or unpleasant-smelling. Also, remember that harmful bacteria are not always visible or detectable by smell. If a product has been recalled, washing it will not make it safe to eat. When it comes to pre-washed lettuce, careful handling and proper refrigeration matter more than giving it another rinse.