Reusable Bags Could Potentially Be Harmful?
Reusable bags are great for the environment by eliminating the need for plastic bags. We may have to be more careful now when using those plastic bags though. According to a recent study done by the University of Arizona, reusable bags may present health risks.
The study was done by testing 84 reusable bags from shoppers in Arizona and California. The study concluded that 20% of the bags contained E. Coli, most likely due to raw meats leaking into the fabric. Even though the meat is usually wrapped when we buy it, that doesn’t mean that the juices can’t leak into the bag.
Some environmental groups feel the study was done to scare people from using reusable bags. To me, the study does feel like it should be common sense to most. If you use a bag to carry meat home with, it should be washed after use, regardless of how careful we are.
Chuck Gerba, who conducted the study, does not at all advocate we discontinue our use of reusable bags.
“You just have to maintain them and recognize the potential for cross-contamination,”
I do feel that this is something that we must be aware of, but at the same time we do not want to discourage anybody from using reusable bags. Hopefully this study does not do that and only makes consumers more conscience when using their bags.
Comments
I have thought about that as well. I always tens to use the vegetable bags to kinda double bag the meats that i purchase, but stuff still leaks. I make a point to wash those bags once a week with my towels.
Yea I find it easier to wash and reuse.