Caring for Reusable Grocery Bags

Reusable grocery bags are environmentally friendly and can help eliminate excess plastic waste in the environment, but how do you keep these safe? Illness-causing bacteria can survive on many surfaces around the kitchen such as countertops, cutting boards, and even reusable grocery bags. When it comes to food safety all consumers should know the four steps of Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill. These basic food safety steps are the foundation for a safe and healthy kitchen and can prevent food poisoning in the home. Two of the steps, Clean and Separate, extend beyond the kitchen and should be considered when purchasing and bringing food home from the grocery store or farmer's market.

Reusable grocery bags are a good choice for transporting food home from the store or market. However, you should be aware of the risk involved with using them if they are not cared for correctly. When food is carried home in these bags, they can leave behind germs—such as E. coli and Salmonella—which can make you sick. Avoid this by following these easy steps to reduce the spread of germs.

Separate

Keep raw meat, fish, poultry away from fresh produce, and ready-to-eat foods and other items.

• Use separate bags for different types of food. For example, assign a bag in the shopping cart for raw meat, fish, or poultry and then one for fresh fruits and vegetables, and another for ready-to-eat foods, or foods that do not need further preparation before eating
• Be sure to put raw meats into a disposable plastic bag that is tied closed before placing them in a reusable bag. This will help contain any juices that drip off raw meat, fish and poultry packages. Juices from raw meats will then be unable to touch other foods and contaminate them. Look for disposable bags in the store's raw meat, fish, poultry and produce sections.
• Throw away any disposable plastic bags used to hold raw meat, fish, or poultry. Never reuse plastic bags that contained raw meat, fish or poultry.
• Put unpackaged produce in disposable bags also. Bacteria from the produce can contaminate other foods.
• Keep a separate bag for household cleaners and other non-food items. Separate this bag from food bags in the grocery cart.

Clean

Wash reusable grocery bags on a regular basis.

• Wash cloth reusable grocery bags after each use, following the bag's care instructions. Most cotton, and bamboo or hemp bags can be machine washed using laundry detergent. They can be air or machine dried.
• Plastic-lined bags should be washed using hot water and soap then air-dried.
• Bags made with polypropylene can be machine washed using the gentle cycle with soap and cold water or hand washed and line dried.
• Before storing, be sure both cloth and plastic-lined bags are completely dried after washing.

Clean any areas of the kitchen where the reusable bags were placed while groceries were being unpacked. This includes the kitchen counter or the kitchen table where food will be prepared and served later.

Bags can be stored in a cool, dry place after they are washed and completely dried. Avoid storing bags in a dark, warm and often humid car trunk. This type of environment promotes bacterial growth. Reusable Bags designated to carry groceries home from the store or market should not be used to carry other items such as baby bottles, clothes or books. Follow these simple steps to reduce the spread of germs and keep your family safe.

Sources

1. How to Keep Reusable Grocery Bags Clean and Safe, County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health, Food and Housing Division.
2. Reusable Grocery Bags: A Smart Choice But Play It Safe, New York State Department of Health, 2020.
3. Grocery Tote Safety Tips, The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.