Up to 200,000 bacteria live in dirty kitchen sponges

While kitchen sponges are generally cleaning tools, they can also be disease carriers if neglected, experts said. According to microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera, sponges, typically used to clean plates and utensils, are moisture absorbent in nature, making them not only effective tools to wash dishes, but also prone to bacterial build-up. ''Gustong-gusto lagi ng bacteria na tumira sa ganoong (moist) environment... kumpara mo sa isang toilet seat o kaya sa basurahan (Bacteria love moist environments like toilet seats and garbage cans),'' he explained. In fact, Rivera added, up to 200,000 microorganisms could be thriving inside a kitchen sponge. He said a handful of harmful bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Staphylococcus aureus, could be hiding in dirty sponges. These bacteria are known to cause food poisoning, diarrhea, typhoid fever, gastroenteritis, and cholera, which, according to the Department of Health, rank among the top foodborne illnesses in the country. ''Normally 'yung mga mikrobyo manggagaling sa source kung saan mo ginagamit 'yung utensils (Normally these microbes come from utensils used for food preparation),'' Rivera said. Rivera warns the public to be aware of sanitary measures because sponges could transfer bacteria to utensils. The greater danger, he added, is when these utensils further contaminate food which humans consume. Experts warn the public to always clean sponges before use, as it reduces the amount of harmful bacteria and chances of contracting disease.