We all know that using reusable bags and containers helps keep litter levels down – but how often do you clean these items?

If you’re using reusable bags and containers this summer, here’s some tips from the Ministry of Primary Industries that works with Food Safety NZ on educating Kiwis on how to safely prepare food.

Reusable bags for food

Wash reusable shopping bags often. After shopping, there can be harmful germs inside them. These can spread to new food the next time you shop and make you sick. They can also get spread into the home and other places.

When packing groceries into bags, separate raw meats, poultry and fish from your dry goods, fresh produce, and ready-to-eat foods. This reduces cross-contamination – spreading germs – between foods. Follow this rule in the kitchen too – in the fridge, your shopping trolley, and with shopping bags or containers.

Reusable food containers

When bringing your own containers to the supermarket deli, follow these three steps to ensure your food stays safe to eat. Make sure containers are clean and dry before storing them. Make sure the containers do not leak and the lids have a good seal. Keep deli and raw items sealed – and ideally separated – in a chilly bin filled with ice packs when transporting.

More food safety shopping tips

Make sure raw meats, poultry, and fish are well wrapped. Ensure packaging is not leaking before you leave the store. To keep food fresher, try to do your food shopping last – just before you go home.

Use a chilly bag or bin to transport chilled or frozen foods. Move these to the fridge or freezer as soon as you get home. Use an ice pack if you can’t get food into a fridge or freezer straight away.