ARE SHOPPING CARTS COVERED IN GERMS? I asked myself this question as I navigated through my local supermarket. Today, we look at the rolling petri dish: Navigating the germpocalypse in your shopping cart.
Ever wondered about the invisible party happening on the handles of your shopping cart?
Your trusty retail companion is not as clean as it seems. In this essay, we’ll explore the germ-laden world of shopping carts, unveiling findings from a 2012 study that exposed the true extent of microbial mayhem.
The Germ Battlefield
Picture this: you stroll into a grocery store, pick up a seemingly innocuous shopping cart, and begin your expedition through the aisles.
Little do you know, you’re embarking on a journey through a microbial battleground.
According to a 2012 study published in the International Journal of Food Protection Trends, shopping cart handles are hotspots for various bacteria, including potential nasties like E. coli and Salmonella.
Study Basics
Researchers collected swab samples from various public surfaces, and what topped the list for bacterial contamination? Yep, you guessed it — shopping cart handles.
Researchers wanted to understand how bacteria survive on shopping carts in different cities across the United States.
They randomly selected 85 grocery store carts from parking lots in Sioux City, IA; San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Portland, OR; and Atlanta, GA. They specifically chose these cities to represent various regions and climates.
The Dirty Details
Since shopping carts are often left outside, the researchers considered how the local climate might affect bacteria survival.
For example, factors like humidity and temperature can impact bacteria on surfaces. They focused on the cart handle and seat, swabbing them with a SpongeStick containing a neutralizing buffer.
The scientists sent the samples to the University of Arizona to analyze the presence of bacteria.
The Germpocalypse Unveiled
So, what turns your shopping cart into a rolling petri dish? Well, it’s a combination of factors.
Shoppers often touch the cart handles after handling money, pushing it around the store, and even after a quick bathroom break.
Multiply that by the number of people who use the same cart, and you’ve got a recipe for a microbial fiesta.
Study Results
The study is slightly dated (2012), but I think the findings are still relevant.
The handles and seats of the shopping carts had a high amount of bacteria, reaching as many as 11 million (1.1 × 1⁰⁷).
Coliforms, a type of bacteria, were found on 72 percent (62 out of 85) of the carts. Specifically, E. coli, a harmful bacteria, was present in 51 percent (18 out of 35) of the carts where coliforms existed.
In summary, the study found a significant amount of bacteria on the handles and seats of shopping carts. Coliforms, including E. coli, were quite common on these carts.
Perspective
Shopping cart handles have more coliforms and E. coli bacteria than other everyday surfaces people touch.
Only seven percent of samples had coliforms in tests of other surfaces, such as diaper changing tables, chair armrests, playground equipment, ATM buttons, restaurant tabletops, escalators, and restaurant condiment containers.
However, in the study on shopping carts, a whopping 72 percent of samples showed the presence of these bacteria.
Navigating the Germy Terrain
Now that we’ve painted a vivid picture of the germpocalypse, how can you navigate this invisible terrain without succumbing to paranoia?
Simple hygiene practices can go a long way. Consider using sanitizing wipes provided by the store, or carry your own to give the handle a quick wipe before diving into your shopping spree.
It’s a small effort that can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful bacteria from shopping carts.
One More Thing
Using self-checkout screens can be kind of dirty.
In a study with 17 of these touch screens, scientists found poop bacteria, including E. coli, on over half of them.
One even had a germ called MRSA, which is hard to treat with antibiotics.
So, be careful when touching those screens!
Conclusion – Germpocalypse in Your Shopping Cart?
In conclusion, the 2012 study reminds us of the microbial wonders on our shopping carts.
Of course, the findings do not mean those contacting the carts were at high risk for infection. Still, there is a risk.
With this knowledge, I will take simple precautions to navigate the germy terrain safely.
Even though it’s not a big health danger, I will continue to use hand sanitizer and wipe down the toilet handle and seat with a disinfecting wipe. I also try not to touch my face until I can wash my hands.
So, the next time you grab a cart, remember: it might be a rolling petri dish, but with a dash of awareness, you can conquer the germpocalypse one grocery trip at a time.
Thank you for reading “Germpocalypse in Your Shopping Cart?”
