TOP Food & Drug and Haggen Food & Pharmacy have become the first grocery stores in the Pacific Northwest to offer antibacterial reusable bags, which offer another level of safety for consumers against the spread of foodborne illnesses.

The Redmond TOP Food store is located at 7320 170th Ave. NE.

The antibacterial bags at TOP Food and Haggen stores are the first in the world that are treated with AP360, an antimicrobial product that controls harmful and odor-causing bacteria (MRSA), mold, mildew and fungus. It is produced from natural resources that are abundantly renewable. Chitin, the active substance, is derived from the shells of crabs and contains unique antimicrobial properties.

“We know some customers have wanted to embrace the environmental benefits of reusable bags but have had food safety concerns,” said Becky Skaggs, spokesperson for TOP Food and Haggen stores. “These antibacterial reusable bags help prevent the spread of E. coli, salmonella and other bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses, even after repeated washings.”

The antimicrobial characteristics of chitin have been known for some time, but have not been commercially viable in reusable bags due to a lack of durability at a reasonable cost. TOP Food and Haggen stores have overcome these issues by contracting with Proforma Mountainview Printing of Lynden, which used chitin in developing the antibacterial reusable bags. The bags, only $1.99 apiece, are safe to use by everyone, including those who are allergic to shellfish.

For more information about the antibacterial reusable bags, visit your local TOP Food or Haggen store or their Web sites, www.top-foods.com and www.haggen.com.