DNA India
20 October 2010
By Menaka Rao
Mumbai, India

The kitchen is where the muck is. A recent study undertaken globally concludes that Indian kitchens, especially refrigerators, are heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungal growths.

The study was carried out by the Global Hygiene Council, an independent international hygiene body that reviews the hygiene practices and offers recommendations to the public on the importance of hygiene. The in–house test was undertaken in nine countries including India.

The researchers found that over 70% of the refrigerators in India were found contaminated due to the high presence of bacteria.

About 75% of the kitchen towels were found to be unsatisfactory or heavily contaminated.

"Common diseases such as gastro–intestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, skin infections, food poisoning, and allergies are related to hygiene," said Dr Narendra Saini, the Indian representative of the hygiene council.

The 180 families chosen for the survey were the ones with two children. The variables of the sample were socio–economic factors, educated/uneducated, and religion.

"Raw foods are usually kept with the cooked foods which spread the germs. The problem was that the temperature of the fridge was not kept constant. Lots of places have frequent power cuts. The fridge door is also left open very often which lets the germs enter the fridge," Saini said, adding that the researchers didn’t find any major difference in results between an affluent and poor household, a Hindu or a Muslim house.

The other area of concern is the bathroom seals. About 95% of the seals were heavily contaminated with bacteria.

The other surface areas that were found contaminated were computer keyboards, mouse and kettle handles.

The study also indicates the most households do not use the correct cleaning agents to remove mould from their houses.