Bacteria and Reusable Bags

by Kathryn Schleich

Replacing plastic bags with reusable cloth ones are definitely better for the environment but there is a downside. According to a just published Canadian study (funded by the Canadian Plastics Industry Council), bacteria accumulates in reusable grocery bags. However, environmental proponents say the problem can be easily solved by doing two things – washing the bags and not carrying groceries in the same reusable bags used to carry gym clothes or diapers.  

The study examined swabs from 28 reusable bags and had the following results: 

• Sixty-four percent of bags had some level of bacteria.
  
  
• Of those, six bags had bacterial counts higher than the amount considered safe for
  drinking water and three had coliforms and fecal intestinal bacteria.
  
  
• Forty percent of the bags had yeast or mold.
  
  
• The more waterproof the bag, the more likely it is to breed bacteria.
  

Food safety concerns focused on the risks of cross-contamination of food placed in bags contaminated by previous use in successive trips. Contaminants could also be transferred from one bag to another in the packing process during checkout. The report noted that “the most, dark, and warm interior of a folded reusable bag that has acquired a small amount of moisture is an ideal environment for bacteria.

Dr. Richard Summerbell who interpreted the results strongly suggests that cleaning instructions be included when reusable bags are sold and says this in no ways means consumers should stop using reusable bags. At a minimum, bags should be turned inside out and air dried. The approach is one of common sense – wash reusable bags when they are dirty, just as you would your clothing.

Kathryn Schleich is a freelance writer residing in Minnesota. In 2003 she published her first book, Hollywood and Catholic Women: Virgins, Whores, Mothers, and Other Images through iUniverse. Currently she is working on updating the book and writing her first novel, Salvation Station. © 2009   She may be contacted at: kathrynschlei777@yahoo.com. Or visit the web site:www.women-write.com.

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