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The refrigerator is a source of infection
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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In Britain, a team of scientists conducted an interesting study, which identified the place in the kitchen that is most populated with harmful bacteria and dangerous to human health. As it turned out, the dirtiest place is in the refrigerator - that's where a huge number of microbes live.
Vegetable compartments accumulate an incredible number of harmful microorganisms - 8 thousand bacteria can accumulate on 1 square centimeter, which is 750 times higher than the level safe for human health. In European standards, there is a clause indicating the maximum permissible number of bacteria on surfaces where food products are stored - according to standards, this is no more than 10 units. The number of microbes that British scientists have found in refrigerators exceeds all permissible standards.
According to experts, microorganisms that are quite dangerous to human health can also appear in the refrigerator, for example, such as salmonella, E. coli, etc. Research has shown that such bacteria live mainly in the vegetable and fruit storage compartments. Experts have also found that the more products are stored in the refrigerator, the faster the microorganisms multiply in it, as a result of which a person is exposed to danger - many bacteria are dangerous pathogens of food poisoning.
In their article, the scientists gave several examples of how products can provoke dangerous diseases. Processed cheese with an expired shelf life, melted ice cream, raw milk, yesterday's salads can become a source of reproduction for listeria, which causes severe food poisoning. Bacteria in the body secrete dangerous toxins that can harm the central nervous system and the brain. Experts note that these bacteria are especially dangerous for pregnant women, as they can harm the fetus and provoke a miscarriage.
British experts are sure that before putting vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator, they must be washed - this will help prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria and take care of your own health. But it is not only fruits and vegetables that need to be washed - the refrigerator also needs regular cleaning. Scientists recommend washing the refrigerator with hot soapy water 1-2 times a month, which will also help control the number of microorganisms.
Another interesting study was conducted by scientists from Minnesota, who stated that eating in front of the TV can cause obesity. Experts are sure that people who prefer to eat while watching their favorite TV show have poorer health compared to those who eat with their relatives.
Scientists studied families with children aged 6 to 12 and came to the conclusion that more than 40% of families eat with the TV on, 30% prefer to communicate during lunch or dinner. According to experts, it's all about the organization of food intake - in front of the TV screen, food is eaten faster, and the brain has virtually no control over the amount eaten, which leads to overeating and excess weight.
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