Investigation shows elevated levels of lead in re-usable grocery bags

[The Straight Story]

TAMPA - Publix officials will revamp their lineup of re-usable grocery bags sold in their stores after a Tampa Tribune investigation found elevated levels of lead in material of some bags.

Tribune tests showed certain bags from Winn-Dixie and Publix stores had levels of lead that concerned health officials. And some bags had enough lead that they could be considered hazardous waste if residents put them in their household trash.

This follows a similar issue that led the Northern grocer Wegmans to voluntarily exchange thousands of their bags.

Publix officials stress that their bags comply with current federal laws regarding lead content. But given the Tribune findings, and lower thresholds due next year, Publix is asking bag suppliers to find ways to make bags with less lead.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/nov/11/111830/coming-sunday-does-your-grocery-bag-contain-toxic-/news-metro/

[Cirque du So-What]

1. Does the store involved really matter?

It's likely that all the reusable grocery bags used in this country originate in China, and that the source of lead is the paint used to make the bags more 'festive.' I guess stores wouldn't bother to make plain-ass bags available if they weren't able to get their name mentioned prominently.

Earlier this week, I read another story about reusable grocery bags in which their potential for harboring pathogens was featured. Makes sense, especially considering that packaged meats could leak their contents onto the bags...but, then, washing may make the lead in the paint on the bags prone to flaking off...you just can't fucking win!

[iamjoy]

2. Raw Meat in Plastic

I always ask them to put raw meats/chicken, etc. in plastic bags just in case they do leak.

And my husband and I have cats, so we re-use the plastic bags for litter, just as many dog owners probably use the bags to pick up poop.

[handmade34]

3. grocery store reusable bags

are still a problem... (I make and sell/giveaway shopping bags I make from recycled fabric) the bags that grocery stores sell for $.99 are usually made in China and from petroleum products... sheezz... not too difficult to make our own bags from scraps. Much healthier, fun and better for the economy/environment.

[Brickbat]

4. What do they expect? The majority of them are made in China. I buy these bags, which are made in MN

of U.S.-made material, and they KICK ASS. They also happen to be huge enough to actually go grocery shopping with.

https://www.battlelakeoutdoors.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=191&osCsid=6be1e494e877e58fc16639586ec7e60a

They're great for the beach or for an overnight trip. I LOVE THEM.

[senseandsensibility]

5. Thanks for the link

Is that machine washable? I couldn't find the info at the link.

[Brickbat]

7. Yes, it is. The material is water resistant and repeated washings will reduce its effectiveness,

but with a grocery bag, that's not such a big deal. They use the same material for camping equipment, where it's a little more of a concern, but for bags, not so much. ETA: This info comes from the company, whom I called a few months ago to ask that very question. Wash it on a cold gentle cycle and air dry.

They also sell school backpacks. I bought two for my kids four years ago, and I am not exaggerating when I say they still look brand new. We also have a hockey bag from them. I love all their stuff.

[somone]

6. Avoid China-made plastic products

especially anything you'll use in the kitchen. Heavy metal contamination is endemic in manufacturing there (as well as in agriculture).