Study: Jars of spices may be the dirtiest items in your kitchen

Scientists from Rutgers University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA) literally studied under a microscope homemade spice jars and concluded that they can be the dirtiest items in the kitchen and lead to food poisoning. poisoning. results research published on the National Library of Medicine website.

As part of this scientific work, more than 370 participants prepared turkey cutlets and salad. Previously, the scientists added bacteriophage MS2 to the meat, which served as an indicator to measure contamination. This virus is safe for humans, the authors of the study emphasize.

After cooking, scientists took smears from all kitchen surfaces and utensils. And the largest accumulation of bacteria turned out to be on jars with spices. In second place on the list of contaminated objects were cutting boards, in third place were the lids of garbage cans.

As it turned out, people most often use spices to process meat - without wiping or washing their hands before and after. As a result, seasoning jars accumulate raw food particles and a wide variety of microbes over time.

The authors of the study conclude that the greatest number of pathogenic microorganisms remains in the kitchen after cooking meat and fish. However, such bacteria are not durable and eventually die. However, for infection, sometimes it is enough just to touch your lips with your finger after using a jar of spices.

To avoid possible food poisoning, experts recommend washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling condiment containers and regularly wiping down their lids and sides.