Lisa Barger's Alternative Medicine

“I was wondering what you thought of all the articles lately about food in bulk food bins being dirty.”

I think this is a valid concern but I’m not sure it’s as big a deal as some of those articles are making it out to be. After all, those bins will get dirty just like everything else in the store. If other areas of the store seem to be well-maintained, why would someone just assume that the bulk bins are being neglected?

Think about it this way. You rarely see someone changing a light bulb, mopping a floor or cleaning a toilet in a commercial space. Those things are done after-hours when the store is closed, right? There might be some exceptions to that, but, for the most part, those are chores done when the store is empty of customers.

Bulk food bins are no different. Just because you don’t often see them being cleaned or changed out, doesn’t mean they’re being neglected.

But, I absolutely understand the concern. Have many times have you witnessed someone reaching a bare hand into a dish on a buffet line? I’ve seen it more times than I care to admit and that’s the reason I don’t eat off buffet lines to this day. I’m sure it’s no different at produce counters in the supermarket or bulk food bins at a health food store.

So to make sure your food is as clean as possible, consider these tips:

• Buy bulk foods only from gravity-fed bins—not the open bins that require you to reach in with a scoop.
• If you must buy from a bulk bin, buy only foods that are either peeled or boiled before they’re eaten.
• Shop only at stores that are otherwise well-maintained. And don’t be afraid to discuss your concerns with the manager.

Beyond that, I’m not sure much more concern is warranted. Readers, what do YOU think?