By MACROS | Published on July 1, 2017
To the naked eye, your kitchen may seem spotless – but, chances are, there are bacteria lurking in wait to rob you of your health.
Incredibly, there are around 200 times more fecal bacteria on your kitchen’s cutting board than your toilet seat, found research by Dr Chuck Gerba, professor at the University of Arizona. So your kitchen may not be quite as squeaky-clean as you think, which can impact your fitness goals.
MACROS investigates your kitchen’s not-so-sweet spots so you can clean up in the health stakes.
1. Cutting Board
Most meals require a chopping board, which contains a lot of bacteria. According to research in the Pharmaceutical Journal, a wooden one is the most hygienic.
Clean up your act: Invest in a selection of cutting boards to avoid cross-contamination
2. Sink
Millions of bacteria cling to faucets, the drain seal and the rubber gasket around the garbage disposal, making them a hotspot for pathogens. Bad smells can linger even days after washing food in your sink.
Clean up your act: Wash immediately after rinsing raw meat. Spray with disinfectant and don’t forget the faucets.
3. Refrigerator Meat Drawer
Store meat and seafood in separate compartments. This storage place can be overlooked until it starts smelling. Be extra vigilant because a study by the American Society for Microbiology found harmful bacteria in poultry, even when it’s been refrigerated or frozen.
Clean up your act: Wash monthly with water and baking soda to clear odors. Use new sponge and cloth.
– RELATED: 5 Simple Time-saving Kitchen Hacks –
4. Countertop
Countertops are a breeding ground for E. coli thanks to coliform bacteria. A study by The Public Health and Safety Organization found 32% of tops held coliform bacteria with fecal properties.
Clean up your act: Wipe down with disposable towels and disinfectant.
5. Sponges and Towels
More than 75% of household kitchen sponges and cloths carry significant disease-causing coliform bacteria like E. coli, found the Public Health and Safety Organization. Resultant nausea could affect the intensity of your workouts.
Clean up your act: Microwave your sponges and cloths for 30 seconds to kill the majority of the bacteria.
Did you know?
9,000 deaths per year cause by germs in the home.
18% of cutting boards have coliform bacteria linked to vomiting and cramps.
10 million bacteria per square inch on a kitchen sponge
6.5 million cases of gastroenteritis per year caused by foodbourne pathogens
