Most grocery stores now provide sanitizing wipes at the entrance. Many shoppers see this as an optional step. However, a huge body of scientific research has confirmed that the grocery cart handle is one of the single germiest surfaces you can touch in public. It is a breeding ground for a disgusting cocktail of bacteria and viruses. Wiping down the handle is not just a matter of cleanliness; it is a critical step for protecting your health.
A Breeding Ground for Bacteria
Studies that have swabbed the surfaces of shopping carts have found that the handle is a major hotspot for bacterial contamination. The combination of the non-porous surface and the constant touch of hundreds of different people creates the perfect environment for germs to thrive. Researchers have found that a cart handle can have a bacterial load that is hundreds of times higher than the surfaces in a public restroom.
The Presence of Fecal Matter (E. coli)
One of the most disgusting and dangerous bacteria that is commonly found on shopping cart handles is E. coli. This bacterium originates in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. Its presence on a cart handle is a direct sign of fecal contamination. This is often the result of people not washing their hands properly after using the restroom. This is a very real and a very gross health risk.
The Risk of Raw Meat Contamination
The shopping cart is also a major vehicle for cross-contamination from raw food products. A leaky package of raw chicken or ground beef can drip its juices onto the cart’s surfaces. These juices can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. You can then easily pick up these germs on your hands when you touch the cart handle.
A Hub for Cold and Flu Viruses
In addition to bacteria, the cart handle is also a major transmission point for viruses. When a person who is sick with a cold or the flu coughs into their hand and then touches the cart handle, they are leaving a trail of virus particles behind. These viruses can survive on a hard surface for several hours. This makes the handle a very easy place to pick up a respiratory illness.
A Simple Act of Prevention
The germy reality of the grocery cart handle is an unappetizing thought. The good news, however, is that the solution is incredibly simple. By taking just five seconds to thoroughly wipe down the handle with a sanitizing wipe before you begin your shopping trip, you can dramatically reduce your exposure to these harmful germs. It is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.
How diligent are you about wiping down your grocery cart handle? Does this information make you more likely to do it every time? Let us know!
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The post The Real Reason You Should Always Wipe Down Your Grocery Cart Handle appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
