Smart devices in the kitchen
New research highlights the need to use good food hygiene practices when cooking at home while using smart devices.
- A new research study from safefood gives insights into potential food safety consequences when using smartphones or tablets while cooking.
- Food poisoning bacteria, like Salmonella and E. coli., can survive on the screen of a smart device for more than 24 hours.
- 1 in 3 participants did not wash their hands after touching raw chicken and before touching a smart device.
- Participants touched their smart device on average almost six times when cooking.
- Using antibacterial wipes containing alcohol can significantly reduce the contamination on smart device surfaces.
20 May 2024. A new research study from safefood highlights the need to use good food hygiene practices when cooking at home while using smart devices. The study looked at hygiene habits when using a smartphone or tablet in the home kitchen. Participants of the study were observed using a smartphone or tablet when cooking a meal which involved raw poultry and raw eggs. This revealed that 1 in 3 didn’t wash their hands after touching raw chicken before touching a smart device. The majority (74%) didn’t wash their hands after handling raw eggs and before handling their smart device.
“From searching for recipes to watching cooking tutorials or capturing moments for social media, smart devices like smartphones or tablets have become indispensable tools for many during meal preparation. Given the widespread use of these devices in the kitchen, people should be aware of the possible food safety risks. Our research found that food poisoning bacteria, like Salmonella and E. coli., can survive on the screen of a smart device for more than 24 hours”.
Participants had their hands and personal devices swabbed to analyse for food poisoning bacteria. During a 30-minute cooking activity, participants touched their smart device on average almost six times. After cooking, around 6% of pre-cleaned smart devices were found to be contaminated with potentially food poisoning bacteria.
Introducing the research, Trish Twohig, Director of Food Safety with safefood said “From searching for recipes to watching cooking tutorials or capturing moments for social media, smart devices like smartphones or tablets have become indispensable tools for many during meal preparation. Given the widespread use of these devices in the kitchen, people should be aware of the possible food safety risks. Our research found that food poisoning bacteria, like Salmonella and E.coli., can survive on the screen of a smart device for more than 24 hours”.
Dr Mairead McCann, Technical Executive at safefood continued “Nobody wants to spread potential food-poisoning bugs around kitchen surfaces or on to already-cooked foods. This new research is a helpful reminder to home cooks of the potential risks associated with smart devices in the kitchen and the importance of good food safety in the home. Following good habits like regular and proper hand washing and cleaning and disinfection of smart devices can help with reducing cross-contamination when you are cooking and using them."
Advice for consumers
safefood's top tips for good food safety habits while using a smart device in the kitchen.
1. Wash hands before and after cooking.
Clean hands are important to help stop cross-contamination between your smart device and ingredients when cooking. Before and between handling ingredients and your smart device, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap, drying with a clean hand towel.
2. Clean worktop before and after cooking with a smart device
When using a smart device while cooking, placing your device on an unclean kitchen worktop could spread harmful bacteria. Always wash kitchen worktops with hot soapy water before and after preparing food. Cleaning as you go will help reduce cross-contamination and keep your workspace clear.
3. Disinfect your smart device before and after cooking.
Before you start cooking, disinfect your smart device to help reduce potential cross-contamination. It's important to also disinfect your smart device after cooking if you have handled raw ingredients such as meat, poultry, or eggs. Always follow your manufacturers’ instructions before doing so. Using antibacterial wipes (containing at least 70% alcohol) can significantly reduce the contamination on smart device surfaces. When disinfecting, pay close attention to the screen, buttons, and edges.
For more information on good food safety habits while cooking, please visit Food safety and cooking on our website, or follow safefood on Facebook, X & Instagram.
ENDS
To request an interview, please contact:
Contacts:
Ireland:
Wilson Hartnell PR: Anna O’Rourke
Email: anna.o’[email protected]
Mobile: 0857197774
Northern Ireland:
ASG & Partners
Russell Lever
Mob: 077 8828 8901
Email: [email protected]
Safefood:
Hayley Linehan
Mob: 087 406 9110
Email: [email protected]
About the research:
The study was conducted by Queen’s University Belfast and included approximately 50 participants who were observed in a cooking activity which involved cooking a meal involving raw poultry and raw eggs with the use of smart devices.
Additionally, a quantitative survey of 520 adults on the island of Ireland was carried out to understand their perceptions, attitudes and awareness of food safety when cooking and using a smart device at the same time.
