By CBC News

A CBC investigation has found that reusable plastic food trays in some Vancouver-area shopping malls have as much bacteria on them as toilet seats have.

Swabs taken from trays in food courts at three malls were sent to University of British Columbia microbiologist Bob Hancock, who analyzed the samples. The malls involved were Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver, Park Royal in West Vancouver and Metrotown in Burnaby

"We saw as many bacteria on some food trays as we saw on a toilet," said Hancock.

The Pacific Centre mall's general manager, Ultan Kampff, said cleaning staff wipe the trays after every use and disinfect them every night.

"Our service provider has very high standards that are in line with acute care facilities," Kampff said. "Having said that, there's always an opportunity to revisit our procedures and our processes to see if we can do it better."

Park Royal and Metrotown both offered statements in response to the CBC test results, saying they had rigorous cleaning methods.

Despite the presence of some serious pathogens, they are not a major concern for healthy people, Hancock said.

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CBCNews.ca readers engaged in a discussion about our society's concerns about cleanliness. Many commenters believe people have become too anxious about bacteria.
"How do you think we become immune to certain types of bacteria? It is by being exposed to them," wrote jkeating. "The kids growing up today will be sicker than the previous generation, all because of the fear mongering and people's need to have a sterile world."

Bobby65 agreed. "Certainly we don't want really harmful bugs hovering around everywhere but some exposure to bacteria and things is not going to kill anybody if they are living a decent healthy lifestyle."

However, bette102 was glad the issue of bacteria on food trays was brought up. She said she contacted the health department in Winnipeg after finding the food trays at malls greasy. "They told me that the system won't change, that it's OK to just wipe down the tray. I suggested soap and hot water but they thought it wasn't necessary. Do these people just spray their dirty dishes and wipe them with a rag and put them back in the cupboard?
I never use a tray now, I carry my food to the table. If any food hits the table I throw that away."

Do you think people have become too worried about bacteria? What kinds of public places are you most concerned about when it comes to cleanliness? Let us know in the comments below.