The contamination reached the “spice jars” in what researchers say is an unexpected anomaly
Studies never stop working to find out which part of the kitchen is the most dangerous.
In a new finding, researchers commissioned by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recruited 371 people to conduct a study looking at how various food items contaminate our kitchens.
Crucially, these participants believed they were testing new recipes.
major areas of contamination
Except, in fact, they were participating in a cross-contamination study according to the Food Standards Agency’s latest scientific review.
The study explained that cooking at safe temperatures and personal hygiene are major factors in the spread of Norovirus, Hepatitis A and Shigella infection.
Emoji regarding cleaning the kitchen – Shutterstock
Scientists found that the surfaces on which cooking contains microorganisms such as knife handle, cutting board, frying pan and handles of electrical tools, with the surface of the sink inside, cloth and sponge, faucet handle, soap dispenser, refrigerator handle and wastebasket cover.
An unexpected offbeat surprise
As for the surprise, it was that the contamination reached the “jars of spices”, which the researchers considered an unexpected anomaly.
The result indicated that spice jars were not only the most contaminated surfaces in the kitchen, but were also the most heavily contaminated, more so than the lid of the trash can, or the knife, or even the sink.
The study concluded that consumers may not necessarily consider wiping or decontaminating spice containers following cooking because they are not usually targeted as a high risk of cross-contamination in consumer messages, knowing that if one handles a contaminated spice container, then accidentally puts a finger in its mouth, as this might lead to ingestion of pathogens and subsequent illness.
It is noteworthy that the study stressed the need to sterilize spice jars every time we touch raw meat, because it is possible that one may have pathogens, on the basis of “wash your hands with soap and water always and never.”