Why we should not use Reusable bags for grocery? (Full of germs)

Reusable bags for grocery-Keep Them Clean While Going Green

Plastic bags are outlawed in many cities so many shoppers are turn to reusable bags as the logical replacement. May be not as below study says why we should not use reusable bags.

Interesting study I found in web

University of Ottawa microbiologist Dr. Jason Tetro calls them "a nightmare for public health (units)," warning that people should be aware of bacteria growing on their bags. If you are getting groceries, then there's a chance that they will end up leaking into the bag, and then you have growth and virus survival," he said. While the risk of contracting salmonella or E. coli from a reusable bag is very low,

Tetro, also known as the Germ Guy, suggests that consumers should prepare to regularly throw their grocery bags into the washer. He cited a report by the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) from 2008, which said that reusable bags can harbour germs from meat and produce.

We need to ... educate the public on how to maintain the safety of reusable grocery bags," he said. Some have criticized the study for being biased. CPIA consultant Sally Potter says it was completely independent, with two laboratories conducting the research and a third laboratory interpreting the report. "It was purely a public health issue," she said. "We don't want to kill the reusable bag market."


Toronto Public Health spokesperson Sylvanus Thompson said there is currently no campaign targeting reusable bags. Health Canada's website provides safety tips for safely reusing grocery bags by frequently washing them with hot, soapy water. Ice Green Eco Packaging founder David Lawson says it's common sense to wash a bag that regularly holds meat.


What's the difference between that and washing anything else?" he said, Despite the health concerns, reusable bag manufacturers expect larger orders from retailers now that plastic bags may not be an option here next year. However, lead content in bags is still a concern, as most of them are imported from China. Health Canada tested several types of bags in 2010 and concluded that "the concentration of lead in all samples was below quantifiable limits (100 mg/kg)," spokesperson Stephane Shank said. "As such, no further action is planned at this time." Ellery Dykeman from Reusablebags.ca says their bags are tested before entering Canada, showing a lead content of 0.0003 parts per million - which, he pointed out, is "well under Canadian code for safe use in children's toys."

Tips to use reusable grocery bags

If you use reusable grocery bags, here are some simple steps that you can follow to reduce cross-contamination and keep yourself and your family safe from germs.

Wash reusable grocery bags often.

•Cloth reusable bags should be washed in a washing machine using laundry detergent and dried in the dryer or air-dried.

•Plastic-lined reusable bags should be scrubbed using hot water and soap and air-dried.

•Check that both cloth and plastic-lined reusable bags are completely dry before storing them.

Always put raw meats into a disposable plastic bag before putting them in a reusable bag.

•A disposable plastic bag helps contain any juices that drip off of raw meat packages, which can touch other foods and contaminate them. Disposable plastic bags are usually available in the raw meat or produce areas of your store.

•Throw away disposable plastic bags used for raw meat immediately after use. Never reuse bags that contained raw meat or poultry.

Keep meats, fresh produce, and ready-to-eat foods separated.

•Use separate bags dedicated for meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods. It’s also a good idea to keep these foods separated in your shopping cart, at the checkout line on the conveyor belt, and at home. This will help reduce cross-contamination.

•Remember that cold food needs to be refrigerated within two hours of leaving the store or market. Cold food should be refrigerated within one hour when temperatures outside are above 90 degrees.

Store reusable bags at home in a cool, dry place, not in the car.

•Store reusable bags in a cool, dry place, such as in your home or in the garage. Higher temperatures, like those inside of a car or a car’s trunk, can cause germs like Salmonella bacteria to grow faster.

Do not use reusable grocery bags for other purposes.

•Bags used for groceries should be used only for food. Don’t carry items such as baby bottles, toys, gym clothes, and other items in the same reusable bags that you take to the grocery store.

These simple steps will help you to reduce cross-contamination, and help keep you and your family safe from harmful bacteria.