Supermarket groceries may carry more germs than your toilet!

Image
Press Trust of India Washington
Last Updated : Mar 27 2017 | 5:07 PM IST
Groceries from supermarkets may host more germs than the toilet in your home, say experts who have warned that harmful microbes may be invading homes in many ways, posing serious health risks.
According to Charles Gerba, microbiologist at the University of Arizona in the US there are many avenues through which microbes are piggybacking on produce without the buyer knowing it.
The germ exposure is highest in meat containers where they breed fast.
Among things that host harmful germs are shopping cart handles, said Gerba.
"It may be recalled that bulk of the germs is transmitted through hands during the purchase of grocery at the shopping cart handles, where too much of bacteria load up from the touch of different people," he said.
Wiping the handle is most important, notes Gerba. He advises using sanitising wipes at the store's entry or carrying own wipes to stay secure.
Fresh produce section often doubles up as a hub of germs as an easy point of entry for germs into handles.
"I don't know anyone who buys produce without squeezing or touching it," Gerba was quoted as saying by the 'Tech Times'.
Meat, poultry, or seafood should be bought only if the packaging is fault free. If packaging is torn, it is good to forego the item as outlets invite germs, Gerba said.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 27 2017 | 5:07 PM IST

Next Story