Hy-Vee Implements New Automated Grocery Cart Sterilization System
DES MOINES, IA - As food safety and health remain top of mind for shoppers everywhere due to the ongoing pandemic, Hy-Vee is advancing its in-store safety measures by becoming the first grocery chain to implement a fully automated shopping cart sterilization system.
The new system will be installed by mid-November in over 200 stores spanning eight states where the new technology will be used to thoroughly clean and sanitize carts after each use.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, it has been our desire to put Hy-Vee customers’ minds at ease with thorough sanitization measures. We are always looking at innovative ways to improve store operations, improve the shopping experience for customers and, most importantly, ensure the health and safety of our customers and our employees,” said Randy Edeker, Chairman, CEO, and President of Hy-Vee.
The new Sterile Cart system uses a low-pressure spray system to quickly clean several carts at once, eliminating the need for store associates to manually clean each cart throughout the day. According to a press release, the system is easy to install and only takes up a 6X4 foot area, meant to fit where carts are stored and returned and allowing for customer use.
“The Sterile Cart system uses a hospital-grade disinfectant that is proven to kill 99.9 percent of germs and viruses that cause illnesses, including coronavirus,” said Kristin Davidson of Ultra Green Packaging, the company that distributes Sterile Cart. “The system ships fully assembled, takes up minimal space, and sanitizes 1-2 carts per second. The Sterile Cart system provides peace of mind knowing that the carts are cleaned after every use.”
Designed to help lower the spread of COVID-19, the Sterile Cart system is manufactured by Minnesota-based IZZA Manufacturing.
Hy-Vee has had strict sanitization processes in place since the outbreak of the pandemic and the new system will allow the company to further progress its safety measures to ensure the comfort of consumers.
What other new innovations will retailers implement to ensure safety is met? AndNowUKnow will keep our ears to the newswire to bring you the latest answers.
