CDC Says Adults 65+ Should Think Twice Before Eating These Premade Deli Salads

Cooking Office wants you to enjoy every meal, no matter how old you are. But if you’re 65 years or older, or you prepare food for someone who is, there are some popular deli items that need a second look. Premade deli salads make an easy lunch, but they can be risky for older adults.

Why Are Older Adults at Higher Risk?

According to the CDC, adults who are 65 years old or older are more likely to get seriously sick from germs in food. These germs include Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter. 

What’s worse is that illnesses from these germs tend to hit this age group harder. Nearly half of those with a confirmed case end up in the hospital.

The FDA explains why. As you get older, your immune system starts to slow down. So, it gets worse at detecting harmful bacteria. Your stomach may produce less acid, and this means not enough germs are killed off before they get to your gut.

Also, your kidneys and liver may not clear toxins as well as they used to. And as you grow older, your systems retrogress even further. 

What Deli Salads Should You Watch Out For?

Deli-made salads without added preservatives are on the CDC’s list. Salads named include ham salad, seafood salad, and chicken salad. These are the popular ones you’d find at your local deli or grocery store.

Why are they a problem? Well, it lies in how they’re made and stored. These salads are often hand-mixed on shared surfaces. They also sit at fridge temperature for several hours or days. Listeria, one of the germs we’ve listed as harmful for older adults, will keep growing even in cold temperatures.

How You Can Protect Yourself

You don’t have to give up on those salads you love. Just be careful where they come from. The safest option is to make them yourself. You can make tuna salad, egg salad, and chicken salad in your kitchen using ingredients that are fresh. That way, you know what goes into your body and how it’s been stored.

Ensure that you cook your meat to the correct temperature before you start to mix it into a salad. Keep the finished salad in the fridge and eat it within three to four days.

If you do buy one, eating it quickly lowers the risk but doesn’t remove it. The CDC’s recommendation for adults 65+ is to skip all premade deli salads.

The CDC recommends you take some steps to safeguard yourself. This includes cleaning hands and surfaces, cooking to the right temperatures, separating raw food from cooked foods, and chilling leftovers within two hours.

FAQs

Is Listeria the only germ to worry about in a deli salad?

E. coli and Salmonella can also appear in pre-made deli foods. However, Listeria is a germ that causes the biggest concern because it can grow in cold temperatures.

Does reheating a deli salad make it safe to consume?

Not in any practical way. Heating to 165°F would kill Listeria, but these salads are to be eaten cold, and that’s why avoiding them is the safer choice.