Research indicates that the multiple use of kitchen towels increases the risk of food poisoning in households.
Researchers from the University of Mauritius examined 100 kitchen towels used over a month and found an increased likelihood of E. coli presence in towels used for multiple tasks, such as wiping utensils and surfaces, as well as drying hands.
E. coli was also more likely to be found in wet towels or those in households where meat had been consumed.
To avoid these contaminations, it is recommended to wash or change dish towels, sponges, and oven gloves frequently. They should also be allowed to dry before reuse.
The research was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
The researchers cultured the bacteria found on the towels to identify and quantify the bacterial load. Of the collected towels, 49% showed bacterial growth, which increased with the number of household members and the presence of children.
Of the 49 samples positive for bacterial growth, 36.7% showed the presence of coliforms, the group that includes E. coli. The rest included 36.7% enterococci and 14.3% Staphylococcus aureus.
Coliforms and staphylococcus had significantly higher presence in towels from households where meat is a major part of the diet.
E. coli is a type of bacteria that is part of the normal gut flora of humans and animals. Most strains are relatively harmless, but some can cause severe food poisoning and infection.
How to Prevent the Spread of Germs in Our Kitchen
- Change towels and cloths regularly. Daily changes are recommended, or at least on days when cooking has taken place.
- Use disposable cloths or paper towels to completely stop the spread of germs.
- Reused towels should be disinfected at 60°C after each use.
- Wash cleaning brushes in a dishwasher regularly or with detergent and hot water after each use.
- Ensure food preparation surfaces are clean before use.
- Use separate cutting boards (preferably Teflon) for raw materials like meat and foods that don’t require cooking.
