TEA TOWELS: A MEDIUM FOR FOOD POISONING
"Knowledge
not properly acquired-kills". The use of tea towels is originally an
hygienic recommendation but when the purpose of a thing is unknown, inevitably,
it is abused. Multi-use of tea towels is putting households at risk of food
poisoning.
Scientists from the
University of Mauritius examined 100 towels that had been used for a month. They
found Escherichia coli on towels used for multiple jobs, such as
wiping utensils, cleaning surfaces, as well as drying hands.
It was also more
likely to be found on damp towels or those in households where meat was eaten.
Multiple use increases
the chance of cross-contamination of potential pathogens that can spread
bacteria and lead to food poisoning.
Washing or changing
dish cloths, tea towels, sponges and oven gloves regularly and letting them dry
before re-use is one sure way to rightly use these kitchen aids.
Scientists cultured
the bacteria found on the towels to identify them and determined the bacterial
load. Of the towels collected, 49% had bacterial growth, which increased in
number with extended family, presence of children and large family size. Of the
49 samples which were positive for bacterial growth, 36.7% grew coliform
bacteria, a group which includes E. coli. Of the rest, 36.7% were Enterococcus
sp and 14.3% Staphylococcus aureus.
Coliform bacteria and Staphylococcus
were found at a "significantly higher prevalence" on towels from
meat-eating households. E. coli is a type of bacteria common
in human and animal intestines. The majority are harmless, but some can cause
severe food poisoning and serious infection.
How
to prevent germs from spreading in the kitchen:
Ø Change
dish clothes and tea towels regularly
Ø Replace
your kitchen towels regularly
Ø The
use of disposable cloths or paper towels will stop the spread of germs
Ø Reusable
clothes should be disinfected or washed at 600C (140F) after each
use
Ø Ensure
food preparation surfaces are clean before use
Ø Use
separate chopping boards for uncooked food such as raw meat, and food that
doesn't need cooking
Ø Wash
and dry your hands after handling foods such as raw meat
Ø Clean
surfaces immediately after use
The presence of E.
coli indicated possible fecal contamination and bad hygiene practices. Staphylococcus
can cause food poisoning as the bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature
to produce a toxin that causes illness. It is killed by cooking and pasteurization.
Good hygiene practices
is the best bet. Always remember, "HEALTH
IS WEALTH".
Serum
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