Dish cloths a "potential source of food poisoning" warns CIEH

Representatives of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) have warned that over 90% of dish cloths used in home and commercial settings contain dangerous bacteria such as E.coli.

The warning comes after a study, commissioned by the CIEH and released at a recent public health conference, revealed that 92% of dish cloths taken from commercial establishments tested positive for dangerous bacteria known as coliforms, which include E.coli.

Further to this, an alarming 96% of cloths used in people’s homes were also found to be contaminated with coliforms.

Commenting on the findings, Julie Barratt, Director of the CIEH, said: "This research shows that domestic cloths pose a great risk of cross contamination. The vast majority of food poisoning takes place in the home and most is not reported."

She went on to issue a warning about the health implications of this contamination: "Most people assume that they get sick either from not cooking food properly or by eating food outside the home – but this research shows that their upset stomach could be as a result of a contaminated dish cloth. For healthy adults a bout of food poisoning could be nasty and inconvenient but for the very young or the very old food poisoning could be life threatening.

"In order to minimise the risk of contamination, we would recommend that people machine wash their dish cloths regularly and avoid using dish cloths to dry their hands. Most importantly, don’t leave cloths on the sink and forget about them.

"[...] Dish cloths should be recognised for what they are – a potential source of food poisoning."

First Response Training can offer vital training in both food hygiene and infection control to help equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to prevent contamination and the spread of dangerous bacteria.

Darren Emery, Business Development Director at First Response, says: "Effective food hygiene control is critical to prevent bacteriological and physical contamination of both food and kitchen equipment.

"We offer a range of food hygiene training. Food Hygiene Awareness is a basic introductory course which is suitable for all those who handle, store, prepare and serve food and drink. It covers issues such as personal hygiene, cleaning and pest control as well as the relevant safety regulations and common food safety hazards.

"We can also offer -accredited food hygiene training programmes, including the CIEH Level 2 and Level 3 Food Hygiene and REHIS-accredited courses. Please call us today on free phone 0800 310 2300 to find out more."