Is there POO on your supermarket trolley? Tests reveal unhealthy levels of faecal bacteria in stores like Aldi
The research has sparked health concerns with fears the bacteria could put shoppers at risk of food poisoning
FORGET losing your pound coin or battling with a dodgy wheel – there’s now another reason to hate supermarket trolleys.
A gruesome new investigation has found that the four-wheeled helpers contain traces of faecal bacteria, or, for want of a better name, poo.
The grotesque study by discovered a trolley and a basket at an Aldi in Brisbane, Australia, tested positive for the substance.
The research has sparked health concerns with fears the bacteria could put shoppers at risk of food poisoning.
Biotech Laboratories manager Glen Pinna said faecal coliforms were found inside warm-blooded animals, such as humans.
“Babies tend to have pooey bottoms and you can't rely on the hygiene of everyone else.
"You just need to be aware that baskets and trolleys can harbour harmful bacteria.”
He advises putting unpackaged items, such as fruit, nuts and bread, into plastic or paper bags before putting into the trolley.
Also, giving the trolley a once over with a germ-fighting wet wipe can help beat bacteria.
The German-owned chain said they only cleaned trolleys when it was necessary.
The Seven News research took eight samples – which tested for faecal bacteria and Staphylococcus - from supermarkets in Brisbane.
Of these eight samples, two returned a positive result for faecal coliforms.
Earlier this year, an undercover reporter found bacteria from faeces on ice in a KFC restaurant in Birmingham.
The discovery was made by the BBC's Rip Off Britain, which was investigating food hygiene at branches of several big-name takeaways and coffee shops.
A scientist who examined the results told the programme the presence of the bacteria increased the risk of anyone who consumed the ice becoming ill.
KFC said it was extremely disappointed and had launched an investigation.
The Sun has contacted Aldi for comment.