COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Cathy Wolfe District One Sandra Romero District Two Karen Valenzuela District Three PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Don Sloma, MPH Director

Diana T. Yu, MD, MSPH Health Officer

Safe Handling Practices for Using Reusable Shopping & Containers

Common safety and handling tips can lower the risk of cross-contamination when using reusable shopping bags and containers. Reusable shopping bags and containers should be washed frequently, especially after carrying fresh produce, meat, poultry or fish.

• If your reusable shopping bags and containers can’t be washed in a washing machine, make sure to wash them by hand with hot soapy water frequently or sanitize them with a mild bleach solution (as described below).

• It is also important to thoroughly dry reusable shopping bags and containers after washing.

Tips for cleaning non-machine washable containers: 1. Combine 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach with 1 gallon of water, and fill a clean spray . 2. the mixing container and to indicate their contents. 3. Spray the bleach solution on the surface of the container and let it air dry. This will provide sufficient contact time to kill germs and won’t leave a residue.

• Reusable shopping bags and containers should always be washed and/or sanitized if juices from have leaked from the primary packaging.

• Fresh or frozen raw meat, poultry and fish should be transported in separate reusable shopping bags or containers from fresh produce and other ready-to-eat foods.

• Meat, poultry or fish can be placed inside plastic bags, such as those found in produce and meat sections at grocery stores. These bags will help prevent juices from leaking and contaminating your reusable shopping bags or containers, as well as other foods. Fresh produce should be placed in plastic bags to prevent contact with reusable shopping bags or containers.

• Reusable shopping bags or containers should be thoroughly cleaned using the method described above after using them to or store non-food items.

• Always practice safe food handling and preparation in your kitchen, whether or not you are using reusable shopping bags or containers. The four key steps are: clean, separate, cook and chill.

More information can be found on the Washington State Department of Health website: http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/FoodSafety/CleanSeparateCookChill.aspx http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/FoodSafety/Tips.aspx

• Clean the surfaces where you placed your reusable shopping containers while unpacking your groceries, like kitchen counters and tables. Be careful not to place your reusable shopping bags or containers on dirty or unsanitary surfaces, like public restroom floors.

• Wash your reusable bags and containers prior to placing them in your vehicle for your next trip to the grocery store.

These guidelines are adapted from guidelines produced and published by Health Canada, 2010.

412 Lilly Rd. N.E., Olympia, Washington 98506-5132 (360) 867-2500 FAX (360) 867-2601 TDD (360) 867-2603 TDD (800) 658-6384 www.co.thurston.wa.us/health