Bitten by the shopping bug? Take care after using trolleys

Abu Dhabi: "Wash your hands as soon as you reach home, after using trolleys at supermarkets or shopping malls" — this will be the message of a campaign to be launched soon by the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), a senior official told Gulf News on Saturday.

ADFCA is launching the campaign in view of the risk of potential infections through trolleys in supermarkets and shopping malls, Mohammad Jalal Al Reyaysa, Manager of the Communication and Information Department at ADFCA, said.

The campaign is relevant especially in the aftermath of the swine flu outbreak and will also advise shoppers to wash fruits and vegetables carried in trolleys, the official said. "The fruits and vegetables, and other food stuff may be contaminated from the trolley, so you have to wash them before you put them in a refrigerator," Al Reyaysa said.

"If the fruits and vegetables are contaminated from a trolley, they may contaminate other food items already kept in the refrigerator," he explained.

Asked whether any reported incidents of the kind in Abu Dhabi had triggered the campaign, he said no such problems had been reported but the campaign was more a preventive measure.

Many international food safety organisations are campaigning to promote the habit of washing hands, realising its benefit, Al Reyaysa pointed out.

He said ADFCA would run the campaign through the media as well. "We will also distribute pamphlets highlighting the importance of washing hands after using trolleys."

Microbes: Common hideouts

Germs can be found in unexpected public places such as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), surfaces on public transport facilities (taxis, trains and buses), escalator handrails, shopping trolleys, washroom handles, play areas and work stations.

How often do you wash your hands in a day? Are you aware of the right way to wash your hands? What are your major concerns when it comes to public places?