Scientists at the University of Mauritius have found that repeated use of kitchen towels promotes the growth of pathogens on them, which can lead to food poisoning. This was announced in a press release on EurekAlert !.
The study examined 100 towels that were used for a month. The scientists collected samples of bacteria, cultured them and identified them according to standard biochemical methods. They also determined the bacterial load - the number of bacteria present on the analyzed surface.
49 percent of the towels showed bacterial growth, which was directly related to the number of children and other family members living in the home. Among the pathogenic microflora, colymorphic bacteria (36.7 percent), enterococci (36.7 percent) and Staphylococcus aureus (14.3 percent) were found.
Colymorph bacteria (bacteria of the Escherichia coli group, BGKP) were more common on wet and reusable towels. Eating meat in the home has also contributed to the growth of BCG and Staphylococcus aureus. These potentially pathogenic microorganisms can enter food and cause gastrointestinal upset.