shopping cartThe an article in today’s Star Tribune reports the grocery cart you’re putting your food, handbag and toddler into is full of germs.

Consider the handle. It’s been touched by untold numbers of hands that have changed diapers, mopped up runny noses, picked up packages of raw chicken and meat, and been coughed on, sneezed in and drooled on.

Bacteria and viruses such as E.coli, staphylococcus, salmonella and influenza can live on grocery carts, scientists say. Though they caution not to get too panicked about the thought, experts say it is possible to catch something from the carts if conditions are right.