By Ayala Ben-Yehuda
Calling the resale by stores of returned underwear “a serious health issue,” City Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside) introduced legislation last week that would prohibit retailers from engaging in the practice.
Avella was inspired to introduce the law by television news reports that found major retailers were putting underwear back on the racks for sale after it had been returned by other customers.
“Experts report that dangerous bacteria including yeast and E. coli can survive for weeks on certain undergarments and can be transferred from an original owner to an unwitting subsequent purchaser,” the bill reads.
Introduced March 24, the bill would establish penalties from $100 to $300 for first offenses and between $200 and $500 for further violations.
Avella said most people were under the impression that reselling used underwear was against the law.
“Nobody in their right mind ever thought they would put it out for resale,” Avella said.
