Re-useable grocery bags protect the environment, they help to protect you and your family from the danger of cross-contamination and illness.

What is cross-contamination?

Raw meat (poultry, beef, pork, fish, and shellfish) may contain harmful bacteria that could cause illness. When these harmful bacteria move from one food to another, it is called cross-contamination.

Why does it matter?

Harmful bacteria can make you and your family sick. Heat and proper cooking kills harmful bacteria. This is what makes meat safe to eat.

Milk, bread, fruit, and some vegetables are ready to eat. If any of these ready to eat foods touch raw meat, they may become cross-contaminated. If you eat that food, you can become sick. A grocery bag that once contained raw meat can be a source of cross contamination.

Buying Raw Meat? Protect Yourself!

 Reduce your risk – Separate

• Separate raw meat from other foods  in your grocery cart
• Use a grocery bag just for raw meat
• Separate raw meat from other foods  in your refrigerator at home

 Reduce your risk – Clean

• Wash re-usable grocery bags with soap and water after each use
• Wipe re-usable grocery bags that cannot be washed.    Disposable disinfectant wipes work well. Or use a mild bleach solution (5 ml/1 tsp bleach per 750 ml/3 cups)
• Wash your hands after handling raw meat