Bacteria can be found everywhere in the environment. Humans have always lived with invisible germs, at apparent minimal risk to public health. However, previous research has shown that high levels of germs are found in office workplaces and may contribute to an increased risk of bacterial and viral infection. Now a study has measured the bacterial content of commonly used public objects. It reports that supermarket shopping cart handles have the largest colonies of bacteria.
The study, conducted by the Korean Consumer Protection Board, examined the surfaces of the most handled public items. Researchers collected samples from common object surfaces and tested them for germs. They found that the germiest public items from most to least germs are:
1. Shopping cart handles
2. Computer "mice" in an Internet cafe
3. Hand straps on buses
4. Bathroom door handles
Researchers found that supermarket handles had the most bacteria with an average 1,100 bacteria per square centimeter, compared to bathroom door handles with an average 340 units. Furthermore, Internet cafe computer "mice" had an average 690 bacteria per square centimeter and bus hand straps had an average 380 units.
Although bacteria levels on supermarket equipment are high, experts believe that there is a negligible risk of transmitting food-borne disease. "However, microbiological organisms are present everywhere in our environment, including on our hands and clothes, and may be present on shopping equipment which appears otherwise clean," states the New South Wales Food Authority.
To eliminate potentially harmful bacteria, the report recommends thorough hand washing with soap and water after shopping at the supermarket.
REFERENCES:
1. Bacteria Hysteria In The Supermarket, ScienceAGoGo, February 15, 2006:
http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20060115010147data_trunc_sys.shtml
2. Korean Consumer Protection Board.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on July 16, 2006 02:04 PM
