Would your kitchen pass a health inspection test? According to new research from Drexel University, your home would probably receive a health code violation.
Researchers visually examined 100 kitchens across Philadelphia, using a checklist similar to what a health inspector at a restaurant would use. They also took samples from different locations within the kitchens—like refrigerator handles, counters, and dishrags—and tested them for foodborne pathogens. (It goes beyond your kitchen: These six seemingly clean items are actually filled with germs, too.)
The results, published in Food Protection Trends and the Journal of Food Protection, were pretty cringe worthy: Most homes had evidence of pest infestations and a majority of them didn’t store raw meat correctly, the researchers found. What’s more, listeria and E. coli were found in 15 percent of the homes—and nearly half the kitchens housed at least one foodborne disease-causing organism.
These five areas were the top offenders:
Nearly all of the home owners didn’t store raw meat or poultry products properly, the researchers found. The raw juices even made contact with other foods in the refrigerators that were examined, according to a press release, and 6 percent of the homes had meat stored at room temperature.
“Refrigeration slows down or stops the growth of bacteria, so if raw meat, fish and/or poultry are held above 41 F, it allows bacteria to grow more quickly,” said study author Jennifer Quinlan, Ph.D. in the press release. “The higher above 41 F, the faster the bacteria will grow.”
Your dishcloths and sponges
Sixty-four percent of sponges contained some form of bacteria, the study authors found. Try microwaving your sponge for a minute to help kill pathogens, Quinlan says.
In and around your sink
The presence of E. coli was usually found near kitchen sinks. What’s more, the researchers found that 82 percent of the sinks they inspected usually failed a cleanliness test.
Nearly 80 percent of cutting boards were worn with cracks, where bacteria could potentially fester, the researchers found. Even worse, about 50 percent of homes didn’t even have a cutting board—potentially signaling that people prepared food right on the counter.
Anywhere your dogs goes
Sixty-five percent of homes contained insects (like ants and roaches) and rodent droppings. Household pets might be to blame, the researchers say.
The easiest way to keep you and your family protected? Educate yourself about what you should and shouldn’t do in your kitchen. This food safety guide can help get you started.