Is your reusable grocery bag full of bacteria?

Is your reusable grocery bag full of bacteria?

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Story Published: May 29, 2009 at 4:47 PM PST

Story Updated: May 29, 2009 at 5:12 PM PST

By KATU.com Staff

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PORTLAND, Ore. - Many of us use reusable grocery bags but are they a breeding ground for bacteria?

Two independent laboratories that conducted a study between March and April of this year gathered a variety of reusable bags for swab testing and here is what they found:

  • 64 percent had some type of bacteria.
  • Nearly 1 in 3 had elevated levels of bacterial contamination.
  • Yeast and mold was found.

Health experts warn that anytime you are toting around fresh produce, meat, poultry and fish, there is going to be bacteria.

So what should you do?

Treat reusable bags as you would your cutting boards - clean and sanitize between uses.
KATU Problem Solver Reporter Shellie Bailey-Shah wants to hear from you. Got an idea for an investigation or a tip?

Click here to contact Shellie

KATU Problem Solver Reporter Kerry Tomlinson wants to hear from you. Got an idea for an investigation or a question about "Restaurant Report Card"?

Click here to contact Kerry

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