REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS-POTENTIAL DANGERS

Reusable bags for carrying groceries are increasingly being adopted by consumers world over because of better awareness about the damages plastics can cause to the environment. It is almost two decades since the harmful environmental effects of plastics , when they are discarded indiscriminately, became an issue and tireless campaigns and a few policy orchestration by the government authorities have created some sensitivity among the consumers regarding the undesirability of continued use of plastics. Two prime considerations that weigh against plastics are that it is mostly made from the unsustainable fossil fuels and plastics are not biodegradable for long periods, as long as 800 years. Besides the ultra voilet  degradation generates artifacts which are more dangerous to the environment. Pacific ocean is one of the most polluted water bodies containing millions of tons of plastic substances. The devastating Mumbai floods in India, a few years ago which caused severe damage to the city, was attributed to choking of storm drains with discarded plastics. Many governments have tried to put a ban on production of plastic films with thickness less than 20 microns but not with any degree of success. Now that reusable bags are gaining acceptance, the dangers inherent in not taking care of these bags have been highlighted in an advisory by the Canadian health agencies which is contained in the report below. 

"Health Canada is reminding Canadians to take steps to prevent cross-contamination of foods when shopping with reusable grocery bags and bins. As an environmental choice, many Canadians are now shopping with reusable bins, plastic bags and cloth bags to reduce the amount of plastic they are using. Health Canada supports the proper use of these products, but it is important to use them safely to prevent cross-contamination of food with bacteria that can cause food borne illness. Because these bags and bins are reused frequently, they can pick up bacteria from the foods they carry, or from their environment (the ground, the back of your car or the items stored in them between grocery trips). The following steps can help to prevent cross-contamination:
-- Wash cloth bags frequently, especially after carrying fresh produce, meat, poultry or fish. Reusable grocery bags may not all be machine washable. If yours are not, you should wash them by hand frequently with hot soapy water. Plastic bins should be washed using hot soapy water on a regular basis as well. It is also important to dry grocery bags and bins after washing.
-- Put fresh or frozen raw meat, poultry and fish in separate bins or bags from fresh produce and other ready-to-eat foods.

-- Putting your fresh or frozen raw meat, poultry or fish in plastic bags (the clear bags found in the produce and some meat sections work well) will help to prevent the juices from leaking and contaminating your reusable containers and other foods. Fresh produce should also be put in plastic bags to help protect it from contamination.

-- If you are using your grocery bags or bins to store or transport non-food items, they should be washed thoroughly before using them for groceries.
It is estimated that there are approximately 11 million cases of food-related illness in Canada every year. Many of these cases could be prevented by following proper food handling and preparation technique".

Before the advent of plastics in countries like India people have been using cloth bags for shopping and regular cleaning was a feature embedded in the daily lives of the people. It is true that the the extent of danger is enhanced when moist foods are carried and raw meat carries maximum risks. Cloth bags also pose danger during rainy season when humidity is high and an improperly dried bag can attract mold growth with some risks of microbial contamination in foods. Also in vogue was the practice of using old news papers for wrapping grocery items before the implementation of the packed commodities regulations making it illegal to indulge in loose vending by the retailers. Probably it is only in India that used news papers have a market for making paper bags for use by grocery shops. Many modern retail stores use reinforced paper bags with high strength in place of plastic bags though it could cost a few cents extra to the customers. Use of paper makes eminent sense because of its sustainable nature with recycling technology well developed. Ultimately cloth bags can only provide a lasting solution and if necessary care is taken, nothing else can come any where near to this age old traditional "carry bag" system.  

V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com