A Canadian study into reusable packaging has called for more research into the possible health implications of containers that are not sufficiently cleaned after use.

 

The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) commissioned two laboratories to study the presence of microbes in reusable grocery bags, and a third agency, Toronto-based Spotometrics, was tasked with evaluating the data.

 

The study found that more than 30% of the bags had unsafe levels of bacterial contamination and some 40% had yeast or mould.

 

Sporometrics director of research Dr Richard Summerbell concluded the reusable bags could provide a significant risk to the safety of the food supply as well as the health of those who came into close contact with the bags, such as checkout operators.

 

He said that more research was needed and the provision of cleaning instructions for the public. "Cleaning is no guarantee of removal of possible pathogens. All bags at a minimum should be turned inside out and air dried," he said.

 

Cathy Cirko, vice president of the CPIA environment and plastics industry council, said that while the industry recognised reusables as a good environmental practice, it did not want to compromise public health.

 

"The industry believes that appropriate research and investigation must be pursued. This testing sample is but a first step," she said.