Raw Green Onions: The Hidden Food-Safety Risk You Should Know About

Green onions are one of those simple ingredients that can make almost any meal taste better. They add freshness to salads, soups, noodles, omelets, sandwiches, and countless other dishes.

But because green onions are often eaten raw, there is one important thing many people overlook: they need to be washed and handled properly before you eat them.

This does not mean green onions are dangerous or that you should stop eating them. The real concern is food safety—especially contamination that can occur while vegetables are being grown, harvested, transported, or prepared.

Why Can Raw Green Onions Carry Germs?

Green onions, also called scallions or spring onions, grow close to the soil. During farming and harvesting, the vegetables can come into contact with soil, contaminated water, manure, equipment, or other sources of microorganisms.

Depending on the circumstances, raw produce can