The Shopper’s Shield, based in Allentown and manufactured locally in the Lehigh Valley, is made from a flexible, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic that easily snaps over the top of most shopping cart handles, providing a barrier that helps guard against contact with bacteria and viruses. Studies have found pathogens, including salmonella and E. coli, living on the majority of shopping cart handles.

“Many stores provide disinfecting wipes at the entrance to use to wipe down a cart handle before shopping,” says founder Cheryl Harris. “The problem is the wipes take at least three to five minutes to kill germs, meaning you can’t touch the cleaned surface until it dries completely. With Shopper’s Shield, you can just snap it on and go without touching the handle itself. After use, it’s easy to clean with disinfectant wipes, spray or soap and water. Keep it with your reusable shopping bags or in the trunk of your car so you never shop without it.”