According to a recent study, hospitals aren't the only places where the multi-drug-resistant bacteria E. coli may be lurking. The results of the investigation confirm what most germophobes already know: hands and cutting boards should be thoroughly washed to avoid contamination, particularly after coming into contact with raw poultry.
Along with hands, cutting boards are among the primary modes of contamination by bacteria, some of which are highly pathogenic. Cooks should be particularly vigilant when preparing poultry meat, which commonly carries the particularly antibiotic-resistant bacteria E. coli.
The rate of contamination was at the heart of a scientific inquiry led by Dr. Andreas Widmer of the University Hospital of Basel. For the study, published in the latest issue of the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the doctor and his research team analyzed 298 cutting boards, including 154 from hospital kitchens and 144 from households, before they had been washed.
The study took note of which types of meat were prepared on each cutting board: poultry, beef, pork, lamb, game or fish. Twenty pairs of gloves used by hospital kitchen employees to handle raw poultry were also tested.
A bacterial analysis indicated that 6.5% of the cutting boards from hospital kitchens used to prepare raw poultry were contaminated with E. coli. Among the cutting boards from household kitchens, 3.5% carried the bacteria. Researchers also found that 50% of the gloves used by kitchen employees contained E. coli.
Perhaps more surprisingly, the cutting boards used for the preparation of other types of meat and fish showed no evidence of E. coli contamination. In addition, the study found that the country of origin of the meat or poultry was not linked to the presence of E. coli.
For Andreas Widmer, the results indicate that "transmission of drug-resistant E. coli occurs both in the hospital and households." The doctor also notes that the findings "emphasize the importance of hand hygiene, not only after handling raw poultry, but also after contact with cutting boards used in poultry preparation."
Cooks take note. The impact is all the more important as home cooks generally follow less drastic hygiene protocols than those working in professional kitchens.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Sat Apr 12 2014
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.