What's more refreshing than a lemon-based cocktail, tasty and refreshing. Used to decorate many beverages, lemon cut into quarters or slices, decorates our glasses, gives a festive taste and brings a little sunshine to our drinks. However, a study has revealed that these slices of lemon that bars and restaurants serve in our glasses, are a real nest of bacteria, as relayed by our colleagues HUFFPOST.
Lemon is a real source of nutrients and vitamins. In addition, it has antimicrobial properties. Indeed, the skin of lemon, naturally rich in flavonones, allows, according to a study, to fight against bacteria.
However, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found that lemon slices, served in bars and restaurants, are likely to carry bacteria.
Lemon slices contaminated with germs
It is a paradox that raises many questions but whose answer is simple. Indeed, the researchers analyzed samples of lemon slices with their skin, taken from different bars and catering establishments, without the knowledge of their staff. These pieces were taken as soon as the drink was served to the customer and before the customer touched it.
Thus, after analysis of the 76 lemons taken, 69.7% of their pieces contained a microbial contamination, including both E. coli bacteria, fungi and bacteria from feces. And as the slice of lemon is usually placed on the edge of the glass or afloat in the drink, the customer of the restaurant is likely to ingest the bacteria present.
Also, according to the conclusion of this analysis, the bark and lemon flesh can contain a variety of microbes, especially when this citrus fruit is cut into slices.
Where does microbial growth come from?
There is no complete certainty about where these bacteria come from, but researchers say the contamination could come from restaurant staff who do not respect sanitation. Indeed Enterobacteriacese and gram-negative bacilli could possibly come from the fingers of employees via human fecal contamination, or raw meat. Yet, health laws require that all foods be handled with gloves or tweezers. Except that in some institutions, the servers often use their hands to manipulate the lemon wedges that are deposited with bare hands on glasses of drinks.
On the other hand, this contamination could occur before the arrival of lemons at the place of restoration after they are touched by other people outside the establishment. Still, lemons have not benefited from a good cleaning before use.
What diseases can be caused by detected microbes?
These microbes found on lemon samples, have the ability to cause infectious diseases, although the study itself does not conclusively demonstrate that restaurant customers are in serious danger or that this contamination may be a threat to their health. Moreover, no case of contamination has been reported to date. Thus, the risk of infection remains very rare, thanks to the immune system that fights and protects the body from any unwanted bacteria. Even if, however, an infection could be triggered by:
- The number of microbes ingested
- The resistance of the body to multiple antibiotics
- The state of health and the age of the individual
- The deficiency of the immune system
In any case, this study has revealed a potential problem that requires further investigation to determine the true source of these microorganisms, the real threat to humans if these bacteria are ingested and find ways to prevent this contamination.
What are the best ways to prevent health?
It is imperative that those in charge of bars and restaurants ensure that their staff respects the rules of hygiene, cleaning incoming food and handwashing to minimize the risk of transfer of microbes to work surfaces and in food. Not to mention all the foods accompanying drinks, such as olives, cherries or celery that can also be infected, in case of non-compliance sanitary.
In addition, the correct washing practices of fruits and vegetables are essential to eliminate any risk of contamination by foodborne pathogens or other. Washing with clean water is not enough. Also, the diluted vinegar rinse is the method that works best and that would eliminate 90% of bacteria. Indeed, acetic acid contained in vinegar whether white, malt or rosemary eliminates bacteria and viruses contained in most foods including smooth skin.
Vigilance is therefore required to ensure food safety. Just follow the hygiene recommendations to avoid contamination whether direct or cross.
