July 13, 2018.
According to a study carried out by a team of researchers from the University of Mauritius, in Mauritius, it is imperative to wash kitchen towels which are veritable nests for bacteria.
Bacteria responsible for food poisoning
The object that we touch the most when we cook is the tea towel. We use it to wipe our hands or a dish even though this tea towel may be infested with bacteria. This is what a study unveiled at the annual meeting of the American Society of Microbiology reveals to us. According to this work, the bacteria present on kitchen towels are even responsible for food poisoning.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers analyzed 100 tea towels. They were thus able to observe that the number of bacteria present on these squares of tissue increased according to the number of family members and according to the presence of children within the family. Among the bacteria most dangerous to health, researchers have detected the presence of fecal coliforms (such as E.coli) and staphylococcus aureus.
How to limit the risk of infections
” Hygienic practices in the kitchen affect the microbial load of kitchen towels », Commented Dr Biranjia-Hurdoyal who led this work. ” We also found that the family’s diet, the way the kitchen towel was used, and whether it was wet could influence the growth of pathogens, potentially responsible for food poisoning. “
To minimize the risk of contamination and poisoning, the authors of this study recommend washing your tea towels after each use. It will be necessary to wash them at 60 ° to be sure to remove all bacteria. You should also remember to use different tea towels for wiping your hands, as well as for wiping dishes. Finally, you have to think about washing or changing your sponges regularly.
Marine Rondot
Read also: 10 nests of germs that you see every day
