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Hygiene rules for big stores

By Cai Wenjun | January 20, 2009, Tuesday | Print Edition

RULES on the cleanliness of shopping baskets and carts at supermarkets are to be issued later this year, officials from Shanghai Health Supervision Agency said yesterday.

Currently, rules only cover the quality of air inside supermarkets, employees' health licenses and basic hygiene. There are no laws covering baskets and carts, but officials said they could pose health risks.

The Nanhui District Center for Disease Control and Prevention carried out checks at six supermarkets last September and found that more than 50 percent of baskets checked revealed a high amount of bacteria. There was mold on more than 75 percent of the baskets which could cause infections or result in food going bad, and 16.7 percent of baskets had a bacteria which could cause food poisoning.

The Yangpu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention saw similar results at three supermarkets in the district early last year.

Mo Weiwen, an official from Shanghai Health Supervision Agency, said yesterday that the agency was carrying out special research on baskets and carts in local supermarkets to come up with a regional health standard as well as disinfection guidance.

"Our primary plan is to finish and issue the standard and guidance within this year to enhance monitoring on local supermarkets and better protect people's health," Mo said. "We also want customers to be more aware of the problem. For instance, it is important to wash hands after returning from a supermarket."

With the approach of the Spring Festival, Shanghai Health Supervision Agency is launching wider checks on local supermarkets and stores with an emphasis on air quality.

Recent checks didn't find air quality below standard but officials said customers should not stay in crowded stores too long, and children, the elderly and pregnant women should avoid peak shopping hours.

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