William Atkins
Thursday, 13 November 2008 06:33
Science -
Health
Page 1 of 2
University of Arizona researchers analyzed the number and kinds of germs found on grocery store shopping carts. They discovered that their handles contain more bacteria, fecal matter, and saliva than do public toilets.
In fact, they found such germs as the diarrhea-causing
Campylobacter and the life-threatening bacterium
Salmonella.
SEO-writer.com calls the problem a "shopping cart sickness." [SEO-writer.com: "
Protecting toddlers from 'shopping carta sickness'"]
The University of Arizona researchers tested sixty grocery store shopping carts for their bacterial content. They made their study in the Los Angeles, California area.
Their conclusion stated that they found more bacteria than what they measured on toilet seats, flush handles, and other toilet parts in 100 public restrooms.
The bacteria found by the researchers on the handles of shopping carts came from chicken drippings and other meat drippings, while saliva, mucus, urine, and fecal matter was found to come primarily from children sitting in the cart seats.
The ABC News article “
Shopping-Cart Wash Fends Off Germs” states that U.S. environmental microbiologist.
Charles "Chuck" P, Gerba (University of Arizona) commented on this hygiene problem.
He stated,
"They [children] don't necessarily have the best sanitary habits. And you're putting your broccoli right where the kid's butt was."
Page two continues.
