Shopping Carts – Your worst Health Concern in a Supermarket

According to recent studies done on shopping carts in supermarket, more than 60 percent of the shopping carts tested are harboring coli form bacteria (that is that sort more often associated with public toilet seats). “These bacteria may be coming from raw foods or from children who sit in the carts,” says Chuck Gerba, Ph.D., a microbiologist at University of Arizona. “Just think about the fact that a few minutes ago, some kid’s bottom was where you are now putting your broccoli.”

According to studies done by Gerba and his colleagues at the University of Arizona, shopping carts had more bacteria than other surfaces they tested. This includes (but is not limited to) escalators, public pay phones and public restrooms. To avoid picking up nasty bacteria, Gerba recommends using sanitizing wipes to clean off cart handles and seats, and to wash your hands after you finish shopping. Many supermarkets are addressing part of the problem by having sanitizing wipes strategically located near the shopping cart storage.

What else can consumers do to protect them self? Do not use the baby/child seat in a shopping cart to store items that will not be cleaned before being consumed. Use a sanitizing wipe to clean boxes and packages that go into the refrigerator.