TORONTO, ON – With plastic bags soon to be outlawed in this city, possibly to be followed by other municipalities, many shoppers will turn to reusable bags as the logical replacement.
Maybe not.
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.
The Law of Unintended Consequences strikes again? Perhaps. I do think Toronto’s banning plastic bags is a dumb move.
Though my parents have used reuseable mesh grocery bags for years, without issue, AFAIK; I take it they wash them from time to time, though I haven’t asked.
