Reusable bags are a popular,environment-friendly choice for carrying groceries and other things,but only 15 percent of Americans regularly wash them,and,as a result,harmful bacteria live and grow on them,according to a new survey by the Home Food Safety programme.
“Cross-pollution occurs when the liquid coming from raw meat or bacteria from unclean things touch cooked or ready-to-eat food like bread or vegetables,”
says Ruth Frechman, a health expert.“Unwashed reusable bags have bacteria which can easily pollute your food.”
Each year,48 million Americans are affected by unclean food caused by different kinds of bacteria.“preventing food from getting contaminated isn't hard,”Frechman says.According to her,bacteria can be removed in the follwing ways:regularly washing machine or by hand with hot,soapy water;cleaning all the areas where you place your bags, especially in the kitchen;storing them in a clean,dry place;and never leaving empty bags in the back of your car.
“When shopping,put meat and fish in plastic bags,and then place them in two different reusable bags:one of raw meat and the other for ready-to-eat food,”Frechman advises.It's also important to separate raw meat from ready-to-eat food when preparing food.To stay safe in the kitchen,use two cutting boardas:one for cutting rew meat and seafood and the other for ready-to-eat food.
“Don't mix them,andalways wash the boards in hot,soapy water after use,”Frechman says.“Throw away old cutting boards.If you pay attention to such details,you'll stay healthy.”