More Retailers Found to Carry Reusable Bags with Concentrations of Lead

Similar to the last story, this isn’t the first time we’ve had to report on lead in reusable grocery bags. Back in November, I reported that several large retailers were using reusable grocery bags that had high concentrations of lead. Walmart Winn-Dixie, and Target were among the names that came up.

The Marietta Times has recently published an article that has expanded on the number of retailers using reusable bags with lead in them. They include Walgreens, CVS, and Giant Eagle. The Center for Consumer Freedom tested 44 organizations, 16 of which tested over the allowable lead limit. It is known that bags made with lead are much cheaper to make than other materials.

CVS tested higher than all other reusable bags. The bag tested at 693 parts per million—more than five times the allowable legal limit for most states(100ppm).

Spokesmen for the above retailers have all released statements stating that they have taken steps to address the issue and that their bags are now completely safe. A likely story if you ask me. I’m not entirely convinced of this, and neither should you be. Stick to paper or plastic for the time being. Not that I’m against recycling or saving the environment—we’re all for that—we’re against retailers poisoning the uninformed public.