A grocery store is a very public space, with thousands of people passing through and touching the same surfaces every single day. While we might be focused on the safety of the food we are buying, we often overlook the germs and bacteria that are lurking on the store’s high-touch surfaces. According to studies on public hygiene, a trip to the supermarket can expose you to a surprising amount of germs. Here are five of the most unhygienic things you are touching at the grocery store.
1. The Shopping Cart Handle
The shopping cart handle is, by far, the germiest surface in the entire store. It has been touched by hundreds of other people, many of whom have not washed their hands. Studies have found that a shopping cart handle can be covered in more bacteria than a public restroom. It is a breeding ground for a wide variety of germs, including E. coli. This is why you should always use the sanitizing wipes that most stores provide at the entrance.
2. Your Own Reusable Grocery Bags
You might think that your own reusable grocery bags are a safe and clean option. However, if you are not washing them regularly, they can become a major source of bacteria. The bags can be contaminated by leaking packages of raw meat or by the germs on the checkout counter. A study by the University of Arizona found that a huge percentage of reusable bags were contaminated with coliform bacteria, a clear sign of poor hygiene.
3. The Self-Checkout Touchscreen
The self-checkout lane has become a popular option, but the touchscreen is another major hotspot for germs. It is touched by every single person who uses the machine, and it is rarely cleaned in between customers. This means that the screen you are tapping to pay for your groceries is covered in the germs from everyone who was in line before you. You should always use hand sanitizer after you use a self-checkout machine.
4. The Freezer and Refrigerator Door Handles
The handles on the freezer and refrigerator cases are another high-touch surface that is often overlooked. Hundreds of shoppers will grab these handles over the course of a day. This is a very easy way for germs to be transferred from one person’s hands to another’s. This is another area where a quick wipe with a sanitizing cloth can make a big difference.
5. The Pen at the Debit Card Machine
When you have to sign for a purchase, you will often use a pen that is attached to the debit card machine by a plastic cord. This pen is used by hundreds, if not thousands, of other shoppers and is rarely cleaned. It is a simple but effective tool for the transmission of germs. You are better off using your own pen if you have one with you.
A Shopper’s Guide to Hygiene
A trip to the grocery store does not have to be a germ-filled experience. The key to protecting yourself is simple awareness and a few basic hygiene habits. You should always wipe down your cart handle and wash your reusable bags regularly. You should use hand sanitizer after you are done shopping. By taking these simple precautions, you can ensure that the only thing you bring home from the store is your groceries.
What is the one thing you always do to stay hygienic at the grocery store? Do you think stores should do a better job of cleaning these high-touch surfaces? Let us know!
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