Dirty dishes, spilled coffee and spoiled food are often seen in work kitchens.
But it’s actually the dirt you can’t see that scientists say employees should be most concerned about.
Researchers who swept kitchens in four workplaces – from offices to construction sites – found an abundance of bacteria, fungi and microbes.
The bugs, which can cause anything from a mild stomach flu to life-threatening illnesses, have been found in their highest concentrations on refrigerator door handles, coffee makers and microwave oven knobs.
Researchers who swept kitchens in four workplaces – from offices to construction sites – found an abundance of bacteria, fungi and microbes. The germs, which can cause anything from a mild gastrointestinal flu to life-threatening illness, have been found in the highest concentrations on refrigerator door handles, coffee machines and microwave oven knobs (see image).
They watched as microbiologists analyzed a series of swabs taken from 11 common kitchen areas in four different workplaces. In the photo: Scientists investigate the bacteria found on coffee machines
The team said high contact points could play an important role in the spread of bacteria that can lead to disease, especially in people with weak immune systems. Pictured: Bacteria found on kitchen fridges
The study was commissioned by the Champs Public Health Collaborative – an organization run by the nine Health Directors of Cheshire and Merseyside.
Microbiologists analyzed a series of swabs taken from 11 common kitchen areas at four different workplaces.
Not surprisingly, high contact points play a major role in the spread of bacteria.
Escherichia coli (E.coli) – which can cause severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and even kidney failure – has been found on coffee makers, fridge door handles and microwave oven control panels.
A bug called Pseudomonas, which can cause respiratory, urinary and blood infections, was also discovered on the same three objects.
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The scientists took samples from a total of 19 everyday objects, including self-checkouts, escalator handrails and office keyboards
Evidence of Klebsiella, a microbe found primarily in the human gut and also spread through feces, was present on all kitchen utensils, including kettles.
Study director Dr. Adam Roberts, a researcher at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, said these bacteria could pose a threat to people with weak immune systems.
He said: “We live surrounded by bacteria and fungi and come into contact with them every day as we go about our normal lives.
“Some microbes, when taken into our bodies, can lead to diseases and infections. The easiest way to avoid this is to wash your hands regularly, especially after using the toilet and before and after eating.
“The results of this study showed that communal kitchens are full of different types of bacteria, many of which are found in faeces.
This is of course an extremely unpleasant thought, but one that may indicate that after using the toilet and then, for example, making tea or preparing lunch, you did not wash your hands thoroughly – if at all.
“The potential consequence of this is that if a person who is more susceptible to infection touches the same surfaces, they are at risk of getting sick.”
“The easy way to reduce this risk is to practice good hand hygiene as much as possible.”
The study is part of the wider Simple Things campaign to encourage people to reduce the spread of diseases such as flu, norovirus and the common cold.
The initiative urges both the public and businesses to wash hands, disinfect surfaces, keep distance if you feel unwell and cover coughs or sneezes to prevent the spread of insects.
Escherichia coli (E.coli) – a bacteria that can cause severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea and even kidney failure – has been found on coffee makers, refrigerator door handles and microwave oven control panels. Pictured: Bacteria found on kitchen fridges
A bug called Pseudomonas, which can cause respiratory, urinary and blood infections, was also discovered on the same three objects. In the photo: Bacteria found on the fridge in the work kitchen
Thara Raj, Director of Public Health for Warrington and Chief Director of Public Health Protection for Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “In the wake of the pandemic, it’s fantastic to see so many people returning to work in person, interacting with their colleagues and with their other Plowing together times.
“But of course, every time we go to work, regardless of the environment, we are likely to constantly touch surfaces that contain various bacteria.”
“Community kitchens, which almost every workplace will have, are high-traffic areas, making cross-contamination and the associated risk of illness very likely.
“Fridge door handles, coffee makers and kettles seemed to be the places where the most bacteria were, all objects that we are likely to touch several times a day.
“The most important thing to remember is that these bacteria are completely invisible to the naked eye, so although these items may look clean, they can actually harbor many different microbes.
“We cannot – and should not – avoid coming into contact with these types of objects at work, but there are simple things we can do to reduce their effects, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or when your loved ones visiting nursing homes or hospitals for example.
“It is therefore important that we all do what we can to reduce the spread of infection throughout the year.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
