The UK fresh produce trade has hit back at press reports claiming prepared salads are unsafe to eat. National newspaper articles quoted research that eating bagged salads could lead to more food poisoning cases. However the Fresh Prepared Salads Producer Group refuted suggestions salads were a health risk.

“The UK prepared salads sector has an unrivalled safety record and employs stringent controls described as excellent by the FSA,” the group said in a statement.

The Fresh Produce Consortium said food poisoning from bagged salads was very rare in the UK.