When the bag was tested two weeks later, it was discovered that the norovirus was still there, nestled lovingly inside the virtuous cloth folds. The norovirus is responsible for an estimated 21 million cases of gastrointestinal illnesses a year and some 800 deaths.
Other Studies in the Bag
One of the leading anti-reusable bag studies was a paper created by researchers at the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University. Their study found large amounts of bacteria in reusable grocery bags, including some that contained the dreaded E.coli bug.
The 2011 study, which was widely disseminated, claimed that only 3 percent of shoppers with multi-use bags regularly washed them. The study also found bacteria in 99 percent of bags, with half having coliform bacteria present. Eight percent carried E. coli, which is typically a mark of fecal contamination. One of the research scientists described the bags as “pretty dirty,” likening them to “the bottom of your shoe.”
Locations Ban Disposable Bags
All of this is concerning as more and more cities and states begin to ban convenient plastic bags or charge extra at checkout for their use. Some 69 local laws in California alone ban single-use plastic bags. Most of the money winds up back in the pockets of the stores, who view the new laws as a windfall profit center.