The truth about supermarket trollies

Swabs were taken from randomly selected shopping trolley handles from Waitrose, Asda, Sainsburys, Tesco and Morrisons. Alarmingly, some of the trolley handles were found to be quite dirty and unhygienic. Results showed levels of bacteria you might find on dirty hands, mobile phones and toilet surfaces – E. coli was even found on two of the 20 samples taken. 

It is an almost impossible task to ensure all trolleys are clean and hygienic to use. Even with the most thorough cleaning regime every trolley is only as clean as the last user. 

Dr Ron Cutler, microbiologist at the Queens University in London, recommended supermarkets provide an alcoholic wipe available for use to customers.

He said: "It then puts the emphasis on both the supermarket to supply the wipes and let the customer actually do what they feel is correct."

The Hand & Handle Wet Wipe Station, a free standing dispenser for anti-bacterial wet wipes from Addgards, is suitable for cleaning both hands and surfaces. The unit holds rolls of up to 1500 wipes with an integrated bin for the used wipe. Placed at the Supermarket entrance it offers the customer choice and peace of mind at very little cost.    

It is currently in use at Supervalu Ireland (Musgraves) Spar, Mace and Costcutters in Ireland.