Tea's towel can poison your food.

The continuous use of tea towels is exposing household to risk of food poisoning,according to latest research.
A group of scientists from the  Mauritius university of examined 100 towels used for a month.

A bacteria known as E.coli was discovered to be on the towel used for multiple jobs, such as cleaning utensils and surfaces, as well as drying hands.

It was more likely to be found on a damp towels or where meat was eaten
The chance depend on the usage of the towel as multiple use increase the chance of contamination of potential pathogens causing food poisoning.

It has however been recommended that washing of dish cloths, tea towels, sponges and oven gloves regularly, as well as drying them  before use is the only mean of prevention.

The investigation involved the culture of bacteria found in towel to identify them and how many.
Of the tested towels,49% showed bacterial growth ,which increased in number with extended family, presense of children and extending family size.

The 49 which showed positive were made up of 36.7% coliform  bacterium (which includes E.coli.), 36.7% enterococcus spp and 14.3% staphylococcus aureus.

Coliform and staphylococcus were found at a "significance higher prevalence" amount on towels from meat-eating households.
The researchers said the presence of E.coli indicated possible faecal contamination and bad hygiene practices.
This may be common in a non-vegetarian food and kitchen
They found staphylococcus on towels of families with childrenand of lower socio-economic status.

Preventions of this menace from spreading is only through the following:

1. Change dish cloths and tea towel regularly
2. The use of disposable cloths or paper towels
3. The use of disinfectant on reusable cloths 
4. Washing of reusable cloths at 60c(140F) after every use.
5. Ensure food preparation surfaces are clean before use
6. Clean surfaces after use
7. Use chopping board for uncooked food like meats and those that doesn't require cooking
8. Wash your hand after handling food like meat

Staphylococcus causes food poisoning as multiply in quick succession at room temperature to produce toxins that causes illnesses. It is killed by cooking and pasteurization.

Live safe.