ROCHESTER -- A local grocery chain has stopped selling two reusable shopping bags after reports that the bags may contain elevated levels of lead.
In a Friday news release, Wegmans says it has stopped selling two designs of its reusable shopping bags: “green pea” and “holiday 2009”. The company says preliminary testing on a limited number of bags suggests there may be elevated levels of lead in these designs only.
Wegmans stressed that “NO other designs of Wegmans reusable bags are affected.”
"Customers can continue to safely use both of these designs. This is not a food safety or children's health concern," said Jo Natale, director of media relations, in a statement to the media. "The eventual disposal of the bags is the only issue, from an environmental perspective."
The company says signs have been posted in Wegmans stores and on their website informing customers that the bags are safe to use, but should be returned to Wegmans prior to disposal. At that time, Wegmans says it will replace the bag with another design and will properly dispose of the returned bag.
"We decided to discontinue these two designs out of an abundance of caution and because of our commitment to sustainability and the environment," added Natale. "It's important that consumers know that both of these designs are safe to use and reuse, as intended."
Wegmans Food Markets operates 76 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland. The reusable bags are intended to help reduce the use of single-use grocery bags.
