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TUCSON - New research reveals reusable grocery bags could pose a health risk.

It's a joint study conducted by the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University.

"And all those plastic bags that you see flying around the city it really bothers me and they're bad for everybody," says Sandra Kendrick. She wants to do her part to help protect the environment, so she brings reusable bags to the grocery store with her almost exclusively.

Researchers want you to know the surprises these sacks could be hiding.

In a teleconference today, Dr. Charles Gerba with the U. of A. Soil/Water and Environmental Science Department, spoke with media about the findings.

"And food leaks from, like, produce or if a meat product gets into the bag, and then they have a potential to actually grow in some cases, particularly in a warm environment like the truck of a car."

They took samples from about 85 reusable bags in three cities including Tucson. All but four bags contained germs.

Dr. Gerba explains, "Fifty per cent of them are coliform bacteria which generally indicates unsanitary conditions that could be associated with fecal material. E-coli was 12% which is much more specific to fecal material and more likely to be associated with organisms that cause illness."

The researchers have the following recommendations:

• They want to see printed instructions on reusable bags stating they should be cleaned or bleached.

• A public education campaign is needed to alert the public about the possible danger of cross contamination.

• Raw foods should be separated from other foods.

• Do not use these bags for other uses such as laundry or to carry other items.

• Do not transport groceries in the trunk where high temperatures promote bacteria growth.

"The whole idea of information like this is to try to keep the odds in your favor and not the germs favor," says Dr. Gerba.

This study was funded by the American Chemistry Council, an industry group which supports the manufacturing of plastic products. The University of Arizona maintains the research is conducted independently of the American Chemistry Council.