Identity and numbers of bacteria present on tabletops and in dishcloths used to wipe down tabletops in public restaurants and bars.

Dishcloths used in restaurants and bars were collected, and tabletops were swabbed, to determine the occurrence of bacteria. Coliforms were isolated from 89.2% of dishcloths and 70% of tabletops. E. coli was isolated from 54.1% of dishcloths and 20% of tabletops. The levels of HPC and coliforms were lower than the levels found in home dishcloths and kitchen countertops reported in previous studies. The most commonly isolated genera from dishcloths also differed from those in homes. The implication of dishcloths in contamination of tabletops through cleaning suggests that current monitoring of linen sanitation solutions might be inadequate. Food Protection Trends, 2006; 26, 24-30.