We not only have this handle sanitizing provided, but now there are cart seat covers for the "baby" seat at the cart handle.

Teresa

We have them too. When there are wipes in the container I use them but more often than not, the container is empty.

Here too, and I admit that I did roll my eyes at them...until I had my son. Then I went out & bought a plush, stuffed, washable cover that encases both seat & cart handle. The thought of him contentedly gumming the cart handle...or one of those grungy buckles...or even sucking his thumb after pawing at the cart just gave me the heebie jeebies.

I know, I know, we all managed to survive without these things...we grew up with metal swingsets & playgrounds floored with concrete & ate dirt, etc. But my mom was never without a wash -n- dri!

I must admit that I do tend to shun the cart wipes & just wash my hands once I get back to my (definitely not germ free) home.

Nina

Got them here too.

Nancy

I have never seen this but think its a great idea. When my kids were young I always brought my baby seat cover. My local market has sanitizing wipes in the chicken section.

We have them and depending on my mood I use them.

At 63, I know we didn't worry about germs so much when we were younger but then we didn't have the manufactured germs of today. I truly think a lot of our immune systems were healthier when we ate food that was 'food'. Enuf said.

I have never seen one here. I agree with you all the way, tho, Sharon. It seems a little "over the top" to me. We have to be exposed to germs in order for our bodies to build up immunities.

Linda

We have them and they drive me crazy...because no one closed the pop-up lid after using them.

More times than not I will use one a wipe but if not then I will just close the lid.

The store here that really needs them doesn't have them, lol. More than once I've cringed at the sticky, yucky feel of the shopping carts at that store. The other store I shop at seems much cleaner, and does have those wipes. I use them when they are available, but don't really worry about it if they're not.

The problem with them other than the obvious germ phobia that the marketing people are promoting is that they just add to the litter and landfills. All this disposable junk that's being marketed, including sanitation wipes, is getting way out of hand. (So to speak.)

Sally

Ours has one but I've never seen anyone actually using it. Maybe I'll use it when I take my baby granddaughter with me but probably I'll just throw one of her little blankets over the front of the cart seat.

I'm not sure how effective those really are for viruses.

We have them everywhere - and I'd actually be happy if they had one at every escalator too, LOL! I think they are more concerned about e-coli from baby's diapers in the supermarket seats and handles than just miscellaneous germs in general.

I usually grab a cart out in the parking lot so by the time I get into the store my hands have already been on the cart. So I never bother to wipe down the carts. Besides I think like Linda. It seems that most of the people I know that get sick the most, are the ones that are the most germ conscious.

Ann

Interesting point, Woodie! You just stopped me from suggesting that there should be wipes available for every box, can, jar, bag, freezer door handle, checkout belt, credit card keypad, etc. that we touch while shopping!

Yes, we have them too. I never use them. I figure I've been touching carts all my life and I'm still here. I do remember my kids gnawing on the handles, so perhaps I'd use them for that purpose, although it didn't kill them either.

We have hand sanitizing lotion all over the hospital for public use. If I go on a patient floor or walk through the ED I do use them. I'm probably more likely to pick something up from the restroom doorknob, which I use AFTER I use the lotion.

I haven't seen this in my local markets, but have seen the carts taken to a specialty truck in front of the store, equipped with some type of sanitizing contraption that steamed them. The carts went in sort of like a car wash, & came out cleaned.

I have also seen a particular women while shopping, wearing latex gloves,picks up her produce by inserting her hand into the plastic bag & grabbing her items, never touching the produce w/latex covered hands & did the same in the meat dept.

However as soon as I'm home, I soap up my hands & mentally sing "Happy Birthday", saw that mentioned on Oprah years ago. Reasoning behind that is, it takes that long to rid of germs..when song is finished, time to rinse, & do the same before leaving a restroom... ;-) I get grossed out when the women next to me, just lets the water touch her hands & is out the door, or worse yet the one that goes for the door w/o washing up. YUK! wouldn't want to touch her cart!!

Yep....we have them....most times I don't use them....but I do during cold and flu season. Way too many times I have seen a child with a snotty nose drooling and wiping it's nose and putting it's nhands on the cart handle.
Nope I like to have something to wipe the cart with!
I think the toilet seat in most public restrooms is cleaner than the carts in a supermarket....at least they get disinfected once or twice a day!
Sharon, I suspect that during cold and flu season you are safe on your island and have very little contact with children and snot nosed toddlers. It's not like that in the upper US and Canada.
Linda C

When I see them, I use them. I hate to touch sticky cart handles and I try not to think of how disgusting some kids hands can be. When I had small sticky kids, I always carried a damp wash cloth with soap in a cosmetic bag to wipe them up every few minutes. I now carry a small pack of sanitizing wipes in my purse to wipe "things" or my hands after shopping in certain places, never touch my face, and wash my hands the minute I get into the house. I'm not a germphobic except I have seen how fast super germs can work, end your life or cause you to lost body parts. I understand the hand santizers are often better than washing but the wipes are handy. Do you wash your hands after shaking hands? Do you still shake hands?

Linda I think there are probably just as many runny nosed little ones sitting in shopping carts here as elsewhere. Unfortunately there is also a cold and flu season that hits us sometime during late fall. But here there is one hygienic rule mentioned by Lucy which I didn't see in Canada. Supermarkets are obliged by law to provide thin plastic gloves in the produce section and people are supposed to use them when touching any produce.
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In the event that the gloves have run out we are supposed to put our hand into one of the thin plastic bags available and reach out to pick up or handle produce, even the items we wish to buy. Seems unusual too I guess but it's been the rule here for some years, and there's even a sign quoting the law posted in most supermarket fruit & veg areas. I've seen people pick up a tomato for example, turn it over and then put it back on the pile, so I guess there is logic to the ruling. I also have never seen water sprayed over the produce here as I did in Canada, although I guess that's for the purpose of refreshing, rather than washing it. LOL.

When I was in Canada, I automatically put my hand into a plastic bag before reaching out to pick up a piece of fruit or veg. I'm not a germophobic and also believe we need to be exposed in order to keep up our resistance. But when I come home from shopping or any outing the first place I go is the bathroom in order to give my hands a thorough wash and scrub. Maybe we should start wearing little white gloves again when we go out LOL. :-)

SharonCb

We have them here in CT. That is when they are filled, most times they are empty. I have one too many pink eye infections from touching cart handles after some carrier touched it and probably rubbed my eyes when I was in the store and volia PINK EYE!. So I usually use them when see them.

I love the idea of the gloves, we don't have those.

He is another store perk, the one I most frequent has a roll of paper towels at the door enterance on rainy days for you to use to wipe down the wet carts. They also have hand sanitizer (again if it is restocked) at the recycling stations in the store.

Germ-a-fobe I am not, I remember when my kids were little, they drop their binky they were sucking on, I would quickly grab it, stick it in my mouth and give it back. Figured if it had germs, I might as well get sick..I didn't and neither did the kids. But thinking back it is gross.

Stay clean! Heidi

One high-end grocery store (Gelson's) has had them for quite some time, and this past year the "regular" grocery stores (Ralph's, Albertson's, Von's) have added them too.

My immune system isn't the greatest, so I appreciate having wipes available. (I wipe the child seat too, not just the handle, in case of poopy-diaper germs.)

AnnT--Duh! I didn't think about that...I bring a cart in when one is left in the area of my car and especially if it is left in a handicapped parking space. In that case I don't use a wipe. But don't get me started on leaving carts in the parking lot.

Yes, I've seen them but the only time I use them is if I'm returning pop cans and my hands get sticky. Other than that, I carry a bottle of scotch in my purse for sanitizing purposes and I'm the happiest shopper in my county. Ahem. (No, not really, in case anyone asks!)

My old doctor (now retired) told me that we are sanitizing our children sick, that healthy people need to expose themselves to germs and allergens to keep our immune systems working. That does not apply, of course, to those who have chronic illnesses and compromised immune systems.

At any rate I blithely grabe the shopping cart handles, kiss other people's babies, grab a head of lettuce from the produce department and pet the neighbor's dog indiscriminately. I also jump in mud puddles, play on the swingsets and kiss my horse on the mouth. (grin) I adhere to the 10 second rule in my house, if it's on the floor for less than 10 seconds, it's edible, but only if it's chocolate. LOL Chocolate has healing and antibiotic properties, you know....

Because I haven't had a cold in 6 or 7 years, at least, I tend to just not think about it.

Annie

Several years ago the flu shot I got compromised my immune system and I got everything that came along. I began wiping down the cart handles, or any other community handle, before using. I was/am amazed at how dirty the cart handles actually are. Another thing I learned to wipe down was any public telephone receiver... after observing a really gross situation that you really don't want me to describe. The keeping-my-hands-clean ritual paid off with no more illnesses that year. Now I do it all the time.

I shop at the same stores as Janine. Gelson's is really my favorite, but I have to go to Ralphs for certain items, such as diet grapefruit soda. I have to go to the health food store for unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate, and they do not have shopping carts - only small baskets.

Lars

I get so disgusted when I think of grocery carts. You see babies propped in the seat-what if the diaper touches the cart? My 85=year old mother brings wipes and always wipes the cart handle. I think it's a good idea, these Sanitation Stations. I went on two Princess liner cruises, at the dining deck they make you clean your hands. I felt good sanitizing every time I ate.

We have had those stations here for several years now, and during cold/flu season do use them. But I also agree that exposure to germs is a good thing.

A shopping cart left out in a parking lot during Jan-Feb in Chicago is likely to have the germs frozen off, so that does not bother me. Some of the store clerks do though. Barely 16, runny nose, handing me change. Thanks, I will use my debit card.

Now don't get me started on ladies not washing up after a trip to the restroom.

I just figure the germs are everywhere. I think about the lady next to me picking up meat packages, putting them down, then squeezing the tomatoes (PRODUCE PEOPLE NOT BODY PARTS). I wash my hands when I get home, and wash everything else too before I eat it. And I use plastic bags inverted over my hand to pick up packaged meats. The cart handle is just the tip of the iceberg so I don't much bother with it.

Well, Farmer Jack's had them, just before they closed all the stores... lol

I'd use them if they were available, not because of germs though... I hate grabbing a wet sticky handle... I usually take the store ad with me and drape that over the handle... And I've been known to take a few paper towels on rainy days...

I'm also that crazy lady who uses a plastic bag to grab wet meat, chicken or produce, ( I can't stand the grease they put on green peppers and cucumbers )... And I have tossed the first bag only to get another one if I pick up a bad piece of produce... I always use them when I buy bulk foods too, some of those scoops are down right nasty and the tongs, for the cookies, people grab them every way but the right way and always leave them hanging outside the container... Personally I don't think they ever wash the scoops or tongs...

Now don't get me started on the baby seats in the buggies... I don't put dirty diapers on my food and I'm sure not going to put my food anywhere a dirty diaper might have been... lol

Rita

Like Ann, I bring a cart in from the lot and never think about it. I just called someone to ask if we have them here and they said yes....I've never seen/noticed them..LOL! I'm with Annie too, I can't remember the last time I was REALLY sick.

One thing I get a kick out of is all of the people at the office that use wipes, carry lysol with them, use paper towels to open and close the bathroom door but have no problem getting ice out of the ice machine....with or without the community scoop!! And yes, I use the ice too. I won't mention the microwaves they heat up their lunches in....

David

I worked at a Safeway store in Canada for quite a few years, I wish we had those.

After several observed incidents in different grocery stores I don't buy things out of scoop-your-own bins anymore.... you don't want to hear about those either.

Westelle, I don't buy from the bulk scoop bins, either.

This is terrible, but one time I was scooping pecans out of one of them and afterwards noticed that I had broken a nail in doing so. No idea where the broken piece of fingernail ended up.... I try not to think about it! (shudder)

But quite frankly, I have seen much, much worse at the bulk bins! LOL

Linda

I've seen them at some stores here in northern VA, but never use them. Never even gave it a thought, really - figured those were for other people. I think they're a good idea though and maybe I'll start using them.

DH wiped off a cart handle the other day because it had been in the rain. I just thought he used a dry wipe provided for rainy day cart-wiping, but maybe someone had left the top opened and they dried out(?)

Ick to picking up sticky, leaky meat packages with my bare hands! I usually do the bag inverted bag trick.

BUT - I detest it when people leave trash in their carts and always pick one with no trash. Hope no cart-wipers are leaving used tissues in those carts!

I've never seen those here. I'm not a germaphobic and have read where doctor's say we need germs to build up our resistance. Having said that, I wish we had those sometimes because the cart handles can get sticky and grimy.

Beverly

Many, Many, Moons ago the doctors have been telling my wife about over sanitizing and
to let the kids build up a resistance to germs.
They are very grown now and have had everything that came along. They still do !!!
God knows what they would have gotten, if she didn't sanitize.
They are following the same path. ?????

When we went from Linoleum (my wife wore the finish off using cleaners and sanitizers) and upgraded
( wall to wall rugs) Johnson's Products stocks dropped way down.

Example:
One DD was up helping me to cook up some meals. I took a fork and dish to the table.
She took another fork out of the drawer and set it on a dish to bring to the table.
I told her that I already had a fork . She said "OK" and threw the fork into the sink, for washing.
I asked " what the hell did you do that for "???
She said "I handled IT "
I calmly asked " how did the forks get into the drawer, in the first place".
She thought about it and Said " OH "- - - She is not a Blonde.

I don't worry about the handles on the carts or picking up meats at the displays.
But!!! I do wash my hands often and don't rub my eyes.

I think we would have to live in a Plastic Bubble to be germ free.
Then when we came out, we would get every bug that came along.

I would be more concerned about the baseball players spreading germs, with all the spitting they do.

Where do they spit when traveling ????? Talk about Germ Warfare!!

I think our enemies are helping to pay these guys; their millions, so they can help spread disease.
That's it I Quit!!! I have to go wash my hands, because I was typing on my computer.

LOU

PS: One thing, we should be concerned about, is a person whose Immune System is low.

I HOPE YOU GUY'S AREN'T PAYING THE CASHIER'S, AT YOUR YOUR GROCERY STORES, WITH THIS DIRTY STUFF !!!

Diane: I'll sacrifice myself once more and take all that dirty stuff,from you,
or anyone else wants to get rid of it.
I don't know why I do these things but anything to help someone.
LOU

Her is a good article I think you should see.....Are germs good for your kids?
Would you let your child play in the dirt, chew on a toy used by another child, or eat food that fell on the floor?

In today's sanitized climate - where things like antibacterial soaps, lotions, portable gels, and handwipes fly off the drugstore shelves - we're more aware of germs today than ever before. After all, germs are responsible for things like colds, the flu, and other common infections.

But might some exposure to germs actually be good for your kids? According to one theory that's spreading like bacteria, the answer is yes.

Called the "hygiene hypothesis," the theory suggests that the growing rate of asthma and allergies in younger populations is the result of being too clean. That's right - too clean.

According to the theory, the presence of some germs allows babies' and children's immune systems to develop properly. Without enough exposure to germs, the immune system becomes overly sensitive to the irritants that can cause asthma and allergies.

As well, the overuse of antibacterial products - from the soaps and gels you can buy off the shelf to antibiotics for throat infections and other ailments - can result in stronger germs that are resistant to the effects of antibiotics. These germs, sometimes referred to as "superbugs," evolve to withstand the effects of antibiotics, and can even become strong enough to resist the effects of stronger antibiotics.

While the verdict is still out on the hygiene hypothesis, there are things you can do to limit your child's exposure to germs while still allowing their immune system to develop - and they don't involve letting your kid eat dirt.

Talk to your doctor: Some children, such as those with a compromised immune system, may be more at risk for infections than others and may require additional precautions.
Teach your children proper hand-washing techniques: You don't need antibacterial products to kill most of the germs on your hands - regular soap and water, and good technique can do the trick. Teach your children to always use warm soapy water, lather up well, and wash thoroughly (including between fingers and the backs of their hands) for 10 to 15 seconds.
Understand when and how to use antibiotics: Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, such as strep throat, not viruses, such as colds or the flu. While you may not feel your trip to the doctor's office was worth your time if you don't come away with a prescription for an antibiotic, you may not need one. Talk to your child's doctor about what kind of infection they have, and if your child is prescribed antibiotics, make sure your child takes them for the full course - not just until your child starts to feel better. Diana55

Lou.....I only have this

Diane: Guess my way of thinking wasn't all wrong !!!
Another thing I just thought of, is the Spray Antibiotics,
especially the well known brand. They show on TV, spraying around a baby in a highchair.
" READ the LABEL " on any of these products, to see what is says about breathing in this stuff.
I know it has caused me some breathing problems.
Hey ! Thanks a lot for your offer of clean money.
I'll take the dirty stuff.
LOU

I understand what you're saying about letting some germs in... and that all makes sense.... BUT....

In this day-and-age when there is so much contact between so many people, sickness -- and infections -- can spread rapidly. A friend's sister (with whom she has no contact -- by choice) has just been diagnosed as being a Staph Carrier, and has some sort of Staph infection that is dormant in her, but can be passed to others. I just think that trying to keep from getting all those germs from soooo many unknown people in a public place is wise. And, yes, wash, wash, wash... especially after using all that dirty lucre. ;^)

I use plastic and swipe my own card....
And when cash is necessary....I only use new bills and polished coins!
Linda C

I'm having a great time reading this. Now I know why my family is healthy -- plenty of exposure to dirt.

The only thing I think is really skeevy is unsupervised free samples. Ugh! I would never take anything from under those plastic covers. I think people touch at least three before picking one.

I just saw that at the new Safeway about a month ago. I keep forgetting to use it. I must admit I don't worry about those kind of things, too much else on my mind. I do believe things have gone to the extreme. I grew up on a farm and I think about the stuff (think animal stuff) we use to play in, I am amazed that I am still around. One of our favorite games was King of the Mt. and I'm not talking about a mound of dirt. My poor mother who had to wash those clothes.
Clare

Returned from a Mediterranean cruise, a week ago, and ship had those sanitizing stations everywhere.

Why stop at the handle of the grocery cart? Check this out.......

Oops....I cut off the end of the word "bags". Took this yesterday in the produce section a neighbourhood supermarket and wasn't sure if taking photos was ok there (some places don't allow it) so I was taking this pic surreptitiously and didn't check to see if it was ok!

The previous sign was written only in Spanish and it included the number and date of the law as it appeared in the state bulletin from the Ministry of Health. To my knowledge this is a national law for the whole of Spain.

SharonCb

I have to confess, although the sani-wipes are provided at my grocer, I have yet to use them :) I don't buy out of the bulk bins.

The cartoon is too funny, Diana, and your photo of the cart washer has me thinking of the kiddie cart that looks like a car for the kids to ride inside while parent pushes upper basket from behind..... DIRTY! I'm not talking germs here, I'm talking filth. They need to go thru' one of these washers, or the store just needs to hose them down once in awhile. (Of course, the grands ALWAYS want to ride in one.)