Shopping cart germs
| Printable version | | | Email to a friend(s) |
Your shopping cart is holding much more than your groceries.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona has shown that shopping carts are one of the germiest places around. They have more bacteria, saliva and fecal matter than many other public places such as escalators, public telephones and public bathrooms. The researchers found that only playground equipment and railings on buses had more germs.
Robin Heard, nurse epidemiologist at Backus Hospital, said the seat area where most people put their children or their produce is the hot spot on the shopping cart. It makes sense when you consider the hundreds of toddlers that sit in the cart every week.
Heard said all it takes is one leaky diaper, a runny nose or coughing to infest the cart.
"When you think about it, it’s not a surprise," Heard said.
While most of the germs the researchers found were fairly common, the fecal matter is of greater concern, Heard said. It is possible that E. coli, a bacteria that can be deadly, can be spread in this way, she said.
Shoppers need not begin wearing protective gloves and masks to the grocery store, however. Heard, instead, recommends taking advantage of the anti-bacterial wipes most supermarkets now provide when entering the store. If the store does not provide them, consider bringing your own. Heard also said shoppers should wash their hands when they go home — ensuring they get a good lather and rinse thoroughly.
Unfortunately, that seat area is also where many people put their fresh produce and bread items. Heard said think twice before putting any food that you will not cook in the seating area. If it must be used, bag all of your items and discard the bag when you arrive home, Heard said.
If your child is the precious cargo being put in the shopping cart consider a seat cover. Using one will protect the child from the germs and ensure he or she does not leave any of her own behind, Heard said.