Lindale, Texas (KTRE) – Some of us have been there before, dropping food and thinking if we pick it up in time, it’s safe to eat.
Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Amy Shively says believing food safety myths like the “5 second rule” can get you sick.
“I decided, you know what, it’s really important that people know how that bacteria can be transferred, from cell phones to the foods we eat,” said Shively.
Shively presented food safety misconceptions to the journey center, a multi-ministry resource facility in Lindale.
Based on Texas A&M AgriLife research, Shively says bacteria can be immediately transferred to food that hits a contaminated surface.
Bacteria can also be carried by everyday items, like purses and cell phones.
“I think I’m a clean person, I keep everything nice and neat and orderly, but our phone has so many millions of germs on it,” said Tina Reid, who attended the presentation.
Shively says your cell phone has 10 times more bacteria on it than a toilet seat.
Purses can be just as dirty, too, even transmitting germs to kitchen counters where you prepare your food.
Reid says after finding that out, she now has some new habits to pick up.
“I’m thinking how can I go home and clean even better and take everything out of my purses and clean them even more,” said Reid.
Shively also pointed out how practices like double dipping, eating popcorn directly out of the same bucket, and blowing out birthday candles on cake can put germs right on your plate.
Shively recommends keeping kitchen surfaces free of outside, unwashed items like purses, washing your hands regularly, and limiting sharing foods directly with your hands.
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