Housekeeping · Grocery bag hygiene

Wash reusable shopping bags and separate groceries

Keep reusable shopping bags cleaner and separate raw meats from foods eaten without cooking.

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Reusable bags are convenient but can retain dirt and contamination. FoodSafety.gov advises frequent washing and keeping raw animal products apart from ready-to-eat foods. Follow the bag's material-care instructions.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Empty receipts, crumbs and loose debris from every bag.
Read the care label; wash machine-safe bags with detergent or clean washable surfaces as directed. Follow manufacturer advice for nonwashable materials.
Let bags dry fully before storing them.
Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood in leak-resistant packages and separate bags.
Reserve a clean bag for produce, bread and other ready-to-eat food.
After any spill, clean and dry the affected bag before using it for food again.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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