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Harmful bacteria found in our reusable shopping bags

30th May 2012

Researchers at the University of Arizona tested 84 reusable shopping bags and found over half were contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E.coli.

Contamination occurs when fluids such as fruit juices and meat blood leak from their packaging and deposit miniscule droplets onto the bag material. Fungus and mold can also thrive among the fibers. These bags are put onto supermarket check-out belts, car boots, driveways, and usually end up on kitchen worktops where any contamination would then be passed on to food being prepared there.

The study also showed that most bags are never washed.

Handbags are another germ magnet and good handbag hygiene suggests a daily wipe-down of the exterior with an anti-bacterial soap. We ought to keep an eye on what’s inside the bag too: stow lotions, potions and food products in sealable containers. Tighten the caps.

Same tips apply to our other household reusables. Fruit bowls are an attractive nuisance. Over-ripened fruit and veg can harbour bugs called pseudomonas which can cause infections and severe gastrointestinal upset. Listeria and salmonella also creep inside the cornucopia.

Following last summer’s E.coli outbreak in Europe that killed 26 and left thousands gravely ill, reminders were issued to always wash your produce. You should also wash or swab your storage containers weekly.

Many of us like to reuse plastic drinks bottles, but refillings will likely contain high levels of bacteria unless bottles are properly cleaned, and refilled with hands that are, in turn, properly cleaned.

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York butcher banned from selling ready-to-eat meat

18th July 2012

Environmental health officers were so alarmed by what they found when they inspected Shambles Butchers, in Little Shambles, that they immediately went to York magistrates for two emergency orders. These prohibit the shop from selling ready-to-eat food such as salami, ... ...read on

Open farm closed

2nd July 2012

Animal Quackers in Bacup, East Lancashire has been closed down by Rossendale Council over claims of an E.coli risk. However Terry Bork, who runs the venture, insists he is being victimised and is fighting to reopen the farm to visitors early next week. Council bosses are ad... ...read on

Poor hand hygiene responsible for the spread of E.coli at Aberdeenshire nursery

19th June 2012

Last month's outbreak of E.coli O157 at Rose Lodge Nursery in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire saw 3 babies requiring hospital treatment and another 4 confirmed cases. One child is still in hospital. A subsequent investigation by the NHS Gram... ...read on

Outbreak of E.coli O145 being investigated in US

11th June 2012

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 14 people in 6 different states have been sickened by E. coli O145 over the past couple of months. Three have been hospitalized and 21-month-old Maelan Elizabeth Graffagnini tragically lost her fight for l... ...read on

Harmful bacteria found in our reusable shopping bags

30th May 2012

Researchers at the University of Arizona tested 84 reusable shopping bags and found over half were contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E.coli. Contamination occurs when fluids such as fruit juices and meat blood leak from... ...read on

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E.coli O157 & Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome

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Harmful bacteria found in our reusable shopping bags