In a new large paper published published by The Environment and Plastics Industry Council (EPIC), a standing committee of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA). Says heck yeah, that reusable bags “Are a breeding ground for bacteria and pose public health risks – food poisoning, skin infections such as bacterial boils, allergic reactions, triggering of asthma attacks, and ear infections… [and that] Over 30% of the bags had unsafe levels of bacterial contamination, 40% had yeast or mold and some of the bags had intestinal fecal bacteria embedded in their surface when there should have been 0.”

The paper further notes, “This study provides strong evidence that reusable bags could pose a significant risk to the safety of the food supply if used to transport food from store to home and that single use plastic shopping bags and other first use carry bag options are more hygienic than reusables.”

Um, ok. First of all look who this paper is by – wow what a shock, a pro-plastics organization. Not surprisingly their recommendations include:

1. This should become a mandated safety standard across the entire grocery industry for reusable bags.
2. In future cases of food poisoning, family doctors and public health officials should add the reusable grocery bag to the list of possible sources of contamination to be investigated.
3. Proper cleaning instructions should be provided to the public. Cleaning is no guarantee of removal of possible pathogens.
4. The drafting and dissemination of usage protocols should be considered an immediate priority in public health education including the suggestion that the reusable bags be replaced regularly to avoid the whole issue of bacterial build up.

Well here’s the thing. If cleaning is no guarantee of removal of possible pathogens, then why do we even bother wearing and washing clothing, bedding, cloth diapers, and so on. Why even shower? Maybe we should only dress in plastics and buy plastic furniture. The thing I do agree with is that we can’t beat germs, but reusable bags aren’t the issue there. The issue is that germs are naturally everywhere. Bacteria is everywhere. Any microbiology major will tell you that germs and bacteria are found on money, books, cafeteria trays, and countless other items you use daily. We can’t ban it all and human actions like antibacterial soap use is just making it worse.

What we can prevent is the use of plastics. Plastic products are toxic to make and use. Non-reusable bags create mountains of litter, kill sea and other animals, and don’t break down but instead spread their chemicals into the water, air, and soil.

The reusable bags that I advocate are cloth – preferably recycled cotton or organic cotton or another sustainable fabric like hemp or bamboo – all of these can be washed, and if you don’t trust washing items, well, we’re right back at the you’re gonna have to wear a plastic bag issue.

This is scare tactics 101 pure and simple and a huge waste of our time. What do you think? Will you be banning your reusable bags now?

A Microbiological Study of Reusable Grocery Bags (pdf)

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Blisstree

Reusable Bags Threaten Public Health