Faecal bacteria found in two of Australia's biggest supermarkets
An exclusive test on supermarket cleanliness has found faecal bacteria on shopping baskets and trolleys at two of the nation’s biggest stores.
The test, conducted by Seven News, was for two of the more harmful bugs – faecal bacteria and Staphylococcus.
After swabbing baskets, trolleys and baby seats in the three big supermarket chains including Coles, Woolworths and Aldi, two samples came back positive for faecal coliforms.
A Coles shopping basket and Aldi parents’ trolley both came back positive.
In a statement Coles said its baskets were cleaned daily with trolleys washed when required. The spokesperson also said it's working towards having wipes available across its entire store network.
Microbiologist Glen Pinna said shoppers should use antibacterial wipes before touching the trolleys provided.
“You need to use those wipes, and if they’re not available use your own,” he said.
“These surfaces are going to be contaminated - presume they are contaminated.”
An Aldi spokesperson said the company is committed to providing customers with a safe shopping experience and confirmed it cleans its trolleys when required.
Seven News filmed inside a Woolworths store for five minutes, but in that time only one customer used the wipes provided.
According to Mr Penna, customers should always be aware of the hidden nasties at supermarkets.
“Especially ready to eat food, any fruit and vegetables - never put it in a basket without putting it in a bag first,” he said.
