Depends on what it is. If it is something that is going to be cooked (walnuts for cookies, corn meal, popcorn, etc.), sometimes. I doubt that the scooper is the thing to be worried about the most. Around here, they are usually attached with a coil to the bin, so no need to worry about them falling on the floor and being put back. I'd worry more about people's hands getting into the bin for a sample. And that is exactly what they do. And I've seen little kids reach in when Mommy isn't looking, and God knows where THOSE hands have been, LOL.

I'm sure some go crazy over it, then go to the produce stand and buy grapes, bananas, peppers, potatoes, celery, carrots...

But I don't usually buy from them because there's no advantage to it and not stuff I normally buy. Although I used to like to buy from there since I could pick out the flavors of Brach's candies that I liked better. The raspberry toffee things used to be a favorite.

I go to the Bulk Barn fairly often. It's great to buy just a small amount of something I need, but they often have their rolled oats, and brown sugar on sale for a good price.
When a person spends $10 they get $3 off with their coupon, regularly as well.
I first bought a cup of quinoa to try it the first time. I now buy it at Costco, as it's cheaper.

I do buy my yeast at Bulk Barn as well.
Oh, and about a dozen wasabi peanuts for hubby as a treat, LOL

I buy nutritional yeast by bulk. I don't really worry about people sticking their hands in for samples, haha. But I almost always shop at Whole Foods and I find it to be cleaner in general. I have yet to see anything gross.

I buy my fresh produce from bulk bins. Having only two of us to cook for, it has so many advantages.
I can pick out unbruised/wilted produce.
Paying by weight means I only buy/pay for what I know I will use. Why buy a small package of green beans, which costs $2.50, when I can get the same amout loose from the bin for $1.00?
Small packages are overpriced, large packages are cheaper, but wasteful for many people.

I buy from the bins if the food itself can't be touched by hand if it isn't wrapped. They usually have them in a tube type container with a spout on the bottom. You wrap the bag around the spout and open the 'door' and it falls into the bag. If the food is wrapped (candy), then I scoop it out. No problem.

I buy spices from those bins. I am so sick of throwing away old spices, so now I just buy a tiny bit at a time. I used to buy at Penzeys when I would go to Madison, but their prices have really gone out the roof.

not to many places like that around here, but I use them when I can. Usually lots cheaper than packaged.

Moni

Yes, at the neighborhood health food store. They have plastic shields over each bin and I'm buying wild rice, dried peas & wheat gluten. So the only germs would be on the scoop handles. Most things are pre-bagged like the candied mango and yeast. :0)

About the only thing I usually buy from bulk containers are nuts at the Italian store. I'm sure that more than a few bare hands have been in there but since they are right by the check out I hope it is at a minimum!

Yes, but they are well maintained. I usually buy popcornn and dried beans from bulk.

I buy popcorn and grains that way at my local health food store. The place is very clean, and so is the clientele. :-)

I'm thinking if someone brought their own scooper, the other patrons might not think much of the idea. I mean, you know your scooper is clean, but your fellow customers might not automatically trust that it is. The store might object to the practice on those grounds.

I do not, by the way, buy my tofu from the little Asian market that sets it out in 5-gal. buckets. Tofu is something that's easily contaminated, and I've seen customers reach in with their bare hands. Eeek!

I've been a lot more aware of open exposures since the big flu scare last year.

I used to buy granola and trail mix at Whole Foods in bulk until one day I saw the same gentleman picking his nose in the canned food aisle reach in and grab a handful of carob covered raisins. Ick! Double Ick!

We don't have any such stores near me, I'm in Long Island. The other day I was buying nuts for baking Christmas cookies, wanted to buy small amounts. The stores near me sell nuts, but in big expensive containers.

I just remembered an incident that took place at a local grocery store a couple of months ago. I wanted to buy some of the loose salad mixture in the produce department (radicchio, romaine, frisee, etc.). Couldn't find a pair of tongs, which is usually setting on top of the greens. I looked around for a while, thinking someone might have moved it, but I still couldn't find it. So I went to an employee who was putting out some fruit and asked her where I might find it. She said that the health department said they couldn't put it out anymore because if a customer dropped it on the floor and just picked it up and put it back, it would be dirty/contaminated. I asked her how I was supposed to pick up the greens. She said that she had been suggesting to customers to use a plastic bag - put your hand in it and use it like a glove. Of course, that would work, but I wonder how many people bothered and really just picked it up with their hands. Even though I would wash the greens, this just somehow turned me off. Seriously, the health department thought it would be cleaner to NOT provide tongs?

I buy almonds and walnuts from bins. The bins are covered and the scooper is attached, so it can't fall on the floor.

The price is so much cheaper in the bins!

Oh, I also buy golden flax seed for my low-carb muffins from bins as well.

I wish we had a Winco here. I am leary about the bins in our markets and they are close to the floor, and in among other stands of fruits and veggies. With all the snow, and wet floors, gloves I just don't. The area appears not to be as clean as I think it should.
I love the Winco near my DD in No Calif.

Yes - much more economical for some things