BACTERIA IN THE BAGS

Did you know that the cloth grocery bags that we are reusing may be contaminated with E. coli and other bacteria? Research shows that bacteria levels are significant enough to cause serious health problems from food-borne illnesses. Here are some important safety tips:

* Hand or machine wash reusable grocery bags between uses to reduce bacteria by more than 99.9% (no bacteria were detected on new fabric or plastic bags).

* Separate raw foods from other food products and meat from fruits and vegetables to prevent cross contamination. Even packaged foods can leak or have bacteria on the outside of the wrapper.

* Do not use bags carrying groceries for storing or transporting other items such as snacks, clothing, or books which may be contaminated with additional bacteria.

* Do not store meat or produce in your car trunk because the higher temperatures promote bacterial growth on the bags.

Source: University of Arizona, Loma Linda University



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