Micro-organisms Infecting Money!
Did you know that money can be a source of micro-organisms. Although low, the cross-transmission of micro-organisms to foods can occur through food handlers.
A group of researchers in Ballarat , Australia screen 400 coins and 350 notes for the presence of bacteria. The money was sourced locations where staffs are likely to handle money. This included small food outlets such as corner shops, cafes and bakeries.
From the findings and as expected, the most common bacterium isolated was Staphylococcus aureus; a micro-organism commonly present on the skin and nasal passages of a third of the human population.
Pathogens were also isolated with E.coli dominating a high proportion of the coins. Only 2 coins had salmonella.
Although the majority of the money contained micro-organisms, the levels were very to cause direct infections.
The biggest risk is the cross contamination of low levels of micro-organisms to foods that support the growth. This is the reason why food handlers must wash their hands properly and regularly or glove wearers to changes gloves frequently.
