THE FOOD Standards Agency has issued important tips concerning food shopping safety to the Welsh public after the enormous reduction in the use of carrier bags.

According to recent information published by the Welsh government, there has been a 96 percent reduction in the use of carrier bags in some areas of retail since the introduction of charges on bags to the Welsh retail sector.

The changes initiated in October 2011 resulted in a large success in terms of environmental sustainability. The Food Standards Agency, however, fear that the initiative is creating an adverse effect, and it is now concerned with the way in which consumers are reusing their carrier bags in order to efficiently pack their food shopping and avoid additional charges.

The food safety expert at the agency in Cardiff, Rob Wilkins warned, "Packing raw meat and fish with ready to eat foods can lead to cross-contamination, particularly if there are any spillages or leaks from the raw foods."

The agency has further advised that the use of separate identifiable bags for raw and ready to eat foods is necessary to reduce the potential of cross-contamination.

Mr Wilkins added,"Whilst a carrier bag may look clean, there is always the potential for cross-contamination of ready to eat foods."

Further tips and advice have been posted on the Food Standards Agency website for those wishing to learn more about how to keep your food shopping bacteria-free.