How to Avoid Food Poisoning from Reusable Shopping Bags

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By DreamsInBloom
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Food Poisoning can be Avoided

Using reusable shopping bags can be good for the environment. As well as prevent the mass accumulation of plastic bags that after several shopping trips tends to become overwhelming.

But there has been some indication that re-using bags could lead to food poisoning and other health problems. A microbiological study has found that reusable shopping bags may become contaminated with bacteria, yeast and mold, which could compromise your health.
If you would like to continue to use reusable bags, or are thinking about switching to reusable bags, here is how you can avoid potential contamination problems.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Designate and use specific reusable bags for the different types of food you purchase. An easy way to do this would be to color code your bags...green bags for produce and tan for meat, for example. Or you could have fun and stencil words or images on them with fabric paint. Or just write on them with a permanent marker.
Step 2

Consider accepting a non-reusable plastic bag for meat products that you can dispose of when you get home.
Step 3

Wash your reusable bags frequently. Washing the bags after each trip to the store doesn't seem so excessive when you think about how fast the bacteria in them can grow. Hot water and bleach or Borax may also be used to help kill bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Step 4

Don't use your reusable grocery bags for other purposes. Carrying things like diapers and your gym shoes in them could contaminate the bags and any food that is later used in them.
Step 5

Let your reusable shopping bags air out. When you fold them up, although it saves space, it gives bacteria a nice place to incubate.
Step 6

Use basic precautions to prevent food poisoning when preparing and cooking food such as washing your hands and the food preparation area, as well as cooking food thoroughly.