Plastic freezer and sandwich bags are widely utilized household items, especially for packing snacks or storing leftovers. As concerns about plastic usage grow, many people wonder about the safety and practicality of reusing these bags.

On the topic of reusing resealable plastic bags, Carla L. Schwan, Ph.D., assistant professor and extension food safety specialist director at the National Center for Home Food Preservation, states that generally, a plastic bag can be reused safely once it has been thoroughly cleaned. However, the safety of the reuse largely depends on what the bag previously contained and its current state. Foods that are generally safe to store in reusable plastic bags include dry goods such as baked goods, cookie dough, and grains.

On the other hand, bags used for storage of raw meat, fish, eggs, or allergy-triggering foods should not be reused. Reusable bags showing signs of mold, yeast growth, or overall damage should be discarded immediately.

Before a bag is reused, it should be washed with warm soapy water, being careful not to stress or tear the bag. After being washed, the bag should be thoroughly rinsed and completely dried before reuse. Any signs of wear, damage, or cleanliness issues on the bag could deem it unsuitable for reusing, and such bags should be discarded.

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