Locations:
Search IconSearch

How to Avoid Bacteria on Your Reusable Grocery Bags

Meats often a contamination culprit

How to Avoid Bacteria on Your Reusable Grocery Bags

Do you use reusable bags for our groceries? It’s a great way to cut down on waste and protect the environment. But you may be packing more than food in your reusable grocery bags – as these convenient carrying cases can become contaminated with germs.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Luckily, a few simple steps can help prevent this.

What causes contamination?

Infectious disease specialist Susan Rehm, MD, says meats are a common contamination culprit.

She says grocery bags often come into contact with poultry, meats and produce that have bacteria on them.

Cross-contamination can occur when meat, produce, and pre-cooked foods are placed in the same bag.

“Let’s say we’ve had a ‘leaker’, one of our chicken containers, or something like that. Well, that all contains bacteria, which contaminates the bag, so the next thing that goes into the bag can also become contaminated,” Dr. Rehm says.

University of Arizona researchers have found reusable shopping bags can harbor multiple bacteria, including E.coli.

How can you avoid bacteria?

Here are some tips from Dr. Rehm to keep your bags from harboring harmful bacteria:

  • Wash your bags regularly. Your best defense is to wash your bags after each trip to the store, but 97 percent of shoppers admit they have never washed their reusable bags.
  • Only use grocery bags for groceries. “It’s really important not to use grocery bags for other purposes. They should be designated grocery bags,” Dr. Rehm says.
  • Consider labeling bags. “You can use one for meats, one for produce, that type of thing, so you don’t get into cross-contamination between your own bags,” Dr. Rehm says.
  • Don’t store bags in the car. Dr. Rehm also suggests storing your bags some place other than the trunk of your car. She says it especially an issue in the summer when the heat creates an optimal environment for bacteria to multiply.

Advertisement

If you do these simple things, especially wash your bags regularly, you greatly reduce the chance of contaminating your food.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Health Library
Bacteria

Related Articles

Person stretching leg in prep for a run, wearing a smartwatch on wrist
January 17, 2025/Infectious Disease
Dirty Secret: Your Watch Wristband Is Probably Home to Bacteria

Researchers found potentially harmful germs on 95% of wristbands

Person sitting on couch at home, wrapped in blanket, blowing their nose, with toast and tea on table
What To Do for a Weak Immune System

If you’re getting four or more colds a year, your immune system might not be in its best shape

petri dish with e-coli
April 4, 2023/Infectious Disease
The Growing Threat of Fungal Infections

The world is getting warmer and fungi are evolving

Person preparing a small salad in their kitchen
August 28, 2025/Diabetes & Endocrinology
How Fast Do GLP-1 Drugs Suppress Appetite?

There’s no set timeline, as factors like dosage, diet, exercise and stress levels can impact the effectiveness of the medication

Bottle of sunscreen, pair of sunglasses, book and towel by a pool
August 27, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Yes, Your Sunscreen Can Expire

You know it’s not good if you’ve been holding onto it for more than three years or if it’s changed in color, consistency or smell

Assorted colorful lit candles in glass votives
August 26, 2025/Lung
Worried if Candles Are Toxic?

Though they release a small amount of VOCs into the air, there isn’t enough strong evidence to say they’re dangerous to your health

Smiling person wearing a straw hat at the beach, applying sunscreen to their face
August 26, 2025/Cancer Care & Prevention
How You Can Prevent Skin Cancer

Wear sun-protective clothing, apply sunscreen every day and avoid tanning to help reduce your risk

Eye care provider checking a patient's ear with an otoscope
August 25, 2025/Ear, Nose & Throat
Why Does Sudden Hearing Loss Happen?

Sudden hearing loss can have many causes — but it’s important to seek treatment fast

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad