Risk of infection Towels and rags can transmit dangerous germs

Can the use of tea towels be harmful??

Many people use a so-called tea towel in their kitchen every day, for example, to wipe away small impurities and water stains. Researchers have now found that using used tea towels and towels can endanger health and even lead to dangerous food poisoning.

The multiple use of tea towels brings seemingly health risks. The scientists of the University of Mauritius found in their current study that dishcloths contain many dangerous bacteria that may even trigger food poisoning. The physicians presented the results of their study at this year's annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Atlanta.

100 used towels were tested for bacteria

The study looked at a total of 100 wipes that had been in use for over a month. It was noted that the cloths contained so-called E. coli bacteria when cloths were used for several jobs, such as wiping utensils and cleaning surfaces.

Multiple use increases the risk to health

The multiple use increases the risk of cross-contamination and spread bacteria, which can lead to food poisoning, explain the experts. Dish towels, towels, sponges and oven mitts should therefore be washed regularly and before being used again, they must also be dried. It is advisable to exchange such kitchen utensils regularly, advise the doctors on.

What types of bacteria were found?

The scientists cultivated the bacteria found on the cloths to identify them and determine the bacterial load. 49 percent of the towels showed bacterial growth. The bacteria increased as the number of family members increased, the scientists explain. Among the 49 contaminated towels, so-called coliform bacteria grew to 36.7 percent. This group of bacteria also includes E. coli. In addition, enterococci were found on nearly 37 percent of the tissues and bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus aureus on around 14 percent.

What do E. coli bacteria do??

E. coli are a genus of bacteria found in human and animal guts. Most species are harmless, but some can cause severe food poisoning and serious infections.

How do I prevent a spread of germs in the kitchen??

• Change tea towels and towels regularly.
• Some experts advise to replace kitchen towels after one day of use.
• The use of disposable or paper towels prevents the spread of germs.
• Reusable wipes should be washed at 60 ° C after each use.
• Wash dishwashing brushes regularly in the dishwasher or clean them with detergent and warm water after each use.
• Make sure the food preparation surfaces are clean before use.
• Use separate chopping boards for various foods such as meat and salad ingredients (which do not need to be cooked). Wash and dry your hands after handling food such as raw meat.
• Surfaces should be cleaned immediately after use.

Are bad hygiene practices the trigger?

The researchers say that the presence of E. coli indicates possible contamination by faeces and poor hygiene practices. The data suggest that unhygienic practices could be common in dealing with non-vegetarian food in the kitchen, says lead author Dr. Susheela Biranjia-Hurdoyal from the University of Mauritius, according to the BBC.

Which people are particularly at risk??

Larger families with children and older members should pay particular attention to the hygiene in the kitchen. Staphylococci were more likely to be found on towels from families with children and with lower socioeconomic status, the researchers explain. Staphylococci can cause food poisoning because the bacteria rapidly multiply at room temperature and form a pathogenic toxin. Coliform bacteria and staphylococci were found to have a significantly higher prevalence in household towels, where people consumed meat. (As)