The effect of an antibacterial washing-up liquid in reducing dishwater aerobic plate counts.

Antibacterial washing up liquid was shown to significantly reduce the aerobic plate count (APC) of catering dishwaters as compared with the traditional product. APCs were lower for each of the three weekly time periods for the antibacterial product. Continued use of the antibacterial product did not decrease the APC of the dishwater, though with the traditional product, dishwater counts increased throughout the trial week. Antibacterial washing-up liquids, with proven activity in controlling levels of microorganisms could play a significant role in reducing the risk of cross-contamination during washing-up operations. Letters in Applied Microbiology 2006; 42: 532-7.