Repeated use of tea towels in the kitchen could be putting families at risk of food poisoning, according to new research.
Bacterial build-up was measured on 100 towels over the course of a month during an experiment by scientists at the University of Mauritius.
Researchers found bacteria growth on 49 towels, with more than a third testing positive for coliforms, the group of species of which E.coli is a member.
The study found E.coli was more likely to develop on towels that had been left to sit damp, while coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria were detected at significantly higher rates in households with non-vegetarian diets.
FoodWorld 