A disturbing Canadian study has concluded that reusable grocery bags are “a breeding ground for bacteria and pose a public health risk” due to high counts of yeast, mold and bacteria.

Plastic bags may have turned our oceans into enormous garbage dumps, but they’re “more hygienic,” say the Environment and Plastics Industry Council (EPIC).

The potential hazards include food poisoning, bacterial boils, allergic reactions and ear infections.

But Harley Rotbart, a doctor of Pediatric Infectious Disease, called the study “a classic middle-school experiment where swabs are taken to surfaces and, shockingly, germs are found.”

The bottom line he says is that “germs are everywhere, and can cause human infections.”

“Common sense must prevail. Disgusting bags should be washed in hot water and bleach."

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• Check out Knighter24's project Going Green is doing to get the stores in her community to use reuseable tote bags a part of its plan to reduce waste and the dangerous effects of paper and plastic bags.