Brilio.net - Recently, the public was shocked by a viral video showing restaurant staff washing cooking utensils in the bathroom. This video came from the Sec Bowl restaurant in Kuningan, Jakarta, which finally decided to close its outlet permanently.
The restaurant owner, Rius Vernandes, has apologized and taken firm action by closing the outlet and destroying the kitchen equipment used. Rius also stated that his party is ready to take responsibility if there are customers whose health is affected after eating at the outlet.
This case raises concerns about hygiene and the health risks that come with the practice of cleaning kitchen utensils in inappropriate places. Cleaning cooking utensils in the bathroom can carry serious risks, both in terms of health and hygiene. The bathroom is a place full of dangerous bacteria and pathogens, which can easily stick to cooking utensils.
So what exactly is the danger of cleaning cooking utensils in the bathroom? Here is the review, as compiled by brilio.net from various sources on Friday (20/9).
1. Bacterial contamination.
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The bathroom is an environment filled with bacteria, especially types of bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are usually found on toilets and floor surfaces.
When cookware is washed in the bathroom, the bacteria can easily transfer to the cookware and contaminate food. These bacteria can cause serious digestive infections such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
2. Spread of viruses.
In addition to bacteria, bathrooms are also a breeding ground for viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus. These viruses can cause gastrointestinal infections with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The virus is highly contagious through contaminated water, and washing utensils in the bathroom increases the risk of spreading the virus. Moreover, the virus can survive on wet and damp surfaces for quite a long time.
3. Risk of fecal contamination.
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One of the biggest dangers of washing kitchen utensils in the bathroom is the possibility of fecal contamination. Studies have shown that even if the toilet looks clean, fecal particles can be released into the air when the toilet is flushed.
These particles can land on cookware that is being washed or placed near the area. Food contaminated with feces can cause a variety of serious diseases, including hepatitis A and cholera.
4. Exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Bathrooms are often used to store and use harsh cleaning chemicals, such as bleach and floor cleaners. These chemicals can easily be absorbed by cookware or eating utensils if washed in the bathroom. Contamination with these chemicals, even in small amounts, can have adverse health effects, such as gastrointestinal irritation or allergic reactions.
5. High humidity accelerates the growth of mold.
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Bathrooms have very high humidity levels, which can accelerate mold growth on cookware or utensils. Fungi such as Candida and Aspergillus can grow rapidly in humid environments and can cause health problems if ingested through contaminated food. These fungi can also cause allergies and respiratory problems for those who are sensitive.
6. Transfer of pathogens from hands.
Washing utensils in the bathroom increases the risk of transmitting pathogens from hands to utensils. The bathroom is a place where people often clean themselves, but hands that are exposed to bacteria from touching the toilet or sink can easily transfer these germs to utensils. Improper hand washing before washing utensils can increase this risk.
7. Risk of parasitic infection.
photo: freepik.com
The bathroom can be a haven for various types of parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which can cause serious infections of the digestive tract. These parasites are usually found in unclean or contaminated water, and can easily get on kitchen utensils washed in the bathroom. These parasitic infections can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other very painful digestive symptoms.
Preventive measures.
Washing cookware in the bathroom is clearly a very risky practice. To prevent the health risks mentioned, it is important to always wash kitchenware in a sterile place specifically designed for it, such as the kitchen or the sink.
Always make sure the utensils used for cooking and eating are washed with clean water and antibacterial soap that is safe for cooking utensils. Kitchen utensils should also be dried properly to avoid mold growth.