Oklahoma Farm Report masthead graphic with wheat on the left and cattle on the right.
Howdy Neighbors!
Ron Hays, Director of Farm and Ranch Programming, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network  |  2401 Exchange Ave, Suite F, Oklahoma City, Ok 73108  |  (405) 601-9211

advertisements
   
   
   
   
   

Agricultural News


Reusable Totes Can Carry Health Risks With Groceries

Thu, 27 May 2021 11:37:20 CDT

Reusable Totes Can Carry Health Risks With Groceries While many people use cloth or mesh tote bags at the grocery store in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, they may not realize they could be putting their family at risk for foodborne illnesses.

There are several steps consumers can take to help ensure proper food safety, said Barbara Brown, Oklahoma State University Extension food specialist. The simplest is to compartmentalize.

"While grocery shopping, place meat, poultry and fish into separate plastic bags to keep any juices from dripping onto and contaminating other foods in your cart," Brown said. "Most grocery stores offer these bags in the meat department, just as they do in the produce section."

Stick with that perspective when checking out at the register. Consumers also should use other totes specifically for non-food items such as household cleaners, dishwasher detergent, laundry soap and other like products.

The type of reusable tote will determine the course of action take to clean it. Bamboo or hemp bags are made of biodegradable, natural fibers, which can be machine- or hand-washed with a mild detergent and then machine- or line-dried. Cotton, a natural fiber, can be machine-washed with hot water and laundry detergent.

"Many people like to take insulated bags to the store, especially during the summer months or if they have to travel several miles back home," she said. "Those bags typically are insulated with polyester fiber and coated with a thermal film to keep foods frozen or cold. They can be washed in warm water and soap or wiped with a disinfecting or anti-bacterial wipe. Be sure to clean along the seams as well, because juices from fresh meats can collect in those areas."

Nylon or polyester bags, as well as woven/nonwoven polypropylene bags, should be hand-washed in soapy water and line-dried.

Be mindful of where the grocery bags are stored, said Ravi Jadeja, food safety specialist for the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center at OSU.

"Grocery carts, the trunk of your car and dirty floors are places where microbes can contaminate the outer surface of the totes, which in turn can cross-contaminate your hands and food products," Jadeja said. "Also, be wary of using antimicrobial sprays. Many of those commonly available sprays are not suitable for food contact surfaces."

Make sure the bags are completely dry before storing them in a cool, dry, clean area.

"Food safety is important not only while preparing food, but in all stages, including shopping, storing and cleaning up after a meal," Brown said.

OSU Extension offers more cooking and food safety information online.
   

 

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

 


Top Agricultural News

  • Oklahoma Youth Expo Sale of Champions Sale Order Available Here- Sale Set for 4 PM Friday  Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:50:54 CDT
  • Rural Voters Dominated Vote to Defeat Recreational Marijuana March 7th  Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:13:05 CST
  • Ron Hays Talks to Israeli Ag Tour Guide Colin Lotzof About the Miraclel of Ag in Israel  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:11:04 CST
  • OALP Members Experience First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:51:49 CST
  • OALP Members Get First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:50:10 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Fruit, Beef and Dairy Production North of the Sea of Galilee in Israel  Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:56:02 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Diverse Farm Operations in Jordan River Valley of Israel  Sun, 19 Feb 2023 21:17:30 CST
  • Israeli Tour Guide Mark Kedem Talks About The Cultural Aspects of What Class XX of OALP is Experiencing   Sat, 18 Feb 2023 22:17:23 CST

  • More Headlines...

       

    Ron salutes our daily email sponsors!

    Oklahoma Beef council Oklahoma Ag Credit Oklahoma Farm Bureau National Livestock Credit Ag Mediation Program P&K Equipment Oklahoma City Farm Show Union Mutual Stillwater Milling Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association KIS FUTURES, INC.
       
       
       
       
       

    Search OklahomaFarmReport.com

    © 2008-2024 Oklahoma Farm Report
    Email Ron   |   Newsletter Signup   |    Current Spots   |    Program Links

    WebReady powered by WireReady® Inc.