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Germ Warfare The Battle Being Fought On The Grocery Aisle



January 21, 2005 -- After a slew of reports warning of dangerous bacteria on grocery carts, consumers and retailers have armed themselves with numerous anti-bacterial products, sanitary wipes, and grocery cart covers to protect young children susceptible to germs, common viruses and deadly strains of E. coli or staphylococcus. But do germs on public surfaces like shopping carts, door knobs and ATMs really pose a health threat or is this just the latest forward-this-e-mail-or-else-you-might-be-striken-with-a-horrible-disease urban legend in the making



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year a startling 76 million people get sick, more than 300,000 are hospitalized and 5000 Americans die as a result of foodborne illnesses, especially the young, elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Germs are spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.



"I just don't think that as a parent you have any idea what's actually out there and how many people are actually touching that grocery cart," said Nicole Knight, a mother and owner of Cuter Than a Duck's Butt, which offers grocery cart covers as part their line of coordinating baby products. Retailing for $59.99 - $69.99, it accommodates one child or two and doubles as a high chair cover. "It helps protect their baby from germs."



According to an investigative report aired by TV newsmagazine "Inside Edition," researchers at the University of Arizona found that shopping carts were dirtier than public bathrooms because bathrooms are cleaned regularly whereas shopping carts were not. A leaky diaper, meat drippings, and bodily fluids like saliva, mucus and blood may find their way into the mouth or hands of young children or adults pushing the cart.



But some grocery chains point out that there has never been a case of illness linked back to a grocery cart and some scientists say that even if it were, it would be rare or difficult to prove. Nevertheless, many stores have begun offering sanitary wipes and changed their policies to clean the carts more frequently.



Still, most parents aren't taking chances. "When I worry about things, I put myself in our customer's place," said Lance Knight, the other half of the husband-and-wife team at Cuter Than a Duck's Butt. Drawing upon his background in public safety, Knight meticulously researches and designs all of their current products with a child's safety, health and happiness in mind.



With everything from crib bedding to matching Polynesian shirts, each product is made in the U.S.A. with washable fabrics that are as easy and fun to use as they are safe. The couple insists upon higher quality prints that won't fade over time and durable craftsmanship that can withstand the daily demands of parenthood. Available at http://www.ctadbgear.com, their grocery cart covers are soft and comfortable yet light enough to wrap into a little ball that can be tossed on the back seat for the trip home. Plus, their 23 month-old son Braden, nicknamed the "CEO," has the final say on whether each product is up to their high standards and is, well, cuter than a duck's butt.   







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