Packaged greens are great…but wash them first

Although it’s most economical to buy whole vegetables, many people like the convenience of buying pre-cut, packaged vegetables like celery, carrots and leafy greens. And packaged leafy green vegetables may be a smart choice if you can’t finish a whole head of lettuce while it’s still fresh.

It’s easy to use right out of the bag, but you should not skip the important step of washing before eating. A recent study by the Consumers Union found bacteria in bagged lettuce and salad mixes.

Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. So eat lots of them, but but be sure to wash them first.

A reminder: The recommended healthy adult diet includes two cups of fruit and three cups of vegetables each day (double the amount if your vegetables are the leafy kind), along with three eight-ounce servings of low-fat dairy, and no more than two servings (three-ounces per serving) of lean meat, poultry or fish.