Healthy holidays begin with clean kitchens

BETHANY, Mo. –Keep the kitchen clean to make it a healthier place to gather during the holidays, says University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health specialist Janet Hackert.

Microorganisms that cause foodborne illnesses thrive in a moist, warm environment. Cleaning raw meat juices and dirt from counters can contaminate sponges and dishcloths, which make ideal breeding grounds for germs. According to a study by NSF International, a sanitation inspection and certification organization, 77 percent of sponges and dishcloths harbored coliform bacteria, indicating fecal contamination, and 18 percent carried Staphylococcus bacteria.

To clean sponges, place them in the microwave and heat for a full minute on high power. The sponge should be wet to avoid setting it on fire. To kill germs, wash sponges and dishcloths daily in the “hot” or “sanitize” cycle of the dishwasher. Use a clean dishcloth each day and set the washing machine on the hottest cycle to clean them. Sinks also harbor bacteria, especially if used to thaw raw meat.

Cleaning kitchen surfaces with soap and water removes 99 percent of the disease-causing germs, but you’ll want to disinfect after every cleaning if people at higher risk of foodborne illnesses eat in your house. Those at higher risk include very young children, older adults and anyone with a disease that weakens the immune system.

To disinfect, the United States Department of Agriculture suggests using 1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water, and mixing well. Flood the countertop with the mixture and let it stand for a few minutes. Pat dry with clean, dry paper towels or let them air-dry. You can use disinfectant wipes or sprays, but only after the surface has been cleaned first. Let disinfectants stand for some time to allow the disinfectant time to work. Then wipe the surface clean of residue because the chemicals are not food-safe.

For more information, contact Hackert at 660-425-6434. Additional resources from MU Extension, including feature articles, printable fact sheets and answers to frequently asked questions, are available at http://MissouriFamilies.org/foodsafety.