Kitchen hygiene in daily life

This paper highlights the reasons for the increasing incidence of gastrointestinal infections associated with the domestic environment, as in Europe and North America more than half of the registered food infections appear to be contracted in the home. The main sources of infection in the domestic environment are also discussed. To highlight the importance of hygiene measures required in the home, the paper summaries the findings from three studies: presence of foodborne pathogens in domestic kitchens, microbiological quality of leftover food stored in the refrigerator and the efficacy of antibacterial dishwashing liquid on sponges against foodborne pathogens. Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 2003.