The survey highlights hygiene issues associated with using smart devices in the kitchen

A study in Ireland highlighted the potential risks of using smart devices in the kitchen while cooking.

The study examined hygiene habits when using a smartphone or tablet in the home kitchen.

One in three participants did not wash their hands after touching raw chicken and before touching a smart device. Three-quarters did not wash their hands after handling raw eggs and before using a smart device.

The study was conducted at Queen’s University Belfast and involved 51 participants who were observed cooking a meal, including raw poultry and raw eggs, using smart devices.

Conclusions from culinary activities

Participants were asked to prepare a meal of chicken goujons and a side salad according to a recipe provided by the researchers on the tablet. The recipe was available in video or written form. Only one-fifth of participants cleaned their tablets during operation, and in every case an unclean cloth or sleeve was used.

Participants had their hands and personal devices swabbed to check for the presence of bacteria. They touched their smart device on average almost six times during the 30-minute cooking time. After cooking, approximately 6 percent of the pre-cleaned equipment was contaminated with bacteria that could cause food poisoning.

Observations showed that participants’ food safety behavior fluctuated and poor hygiene practices were common during food preparation. The frequency with which people touched the tablet while preparing a meal ranged from 1 to 10 times while cooking.

Using antibacterial wipes containing alcohol can reduce surface contamination of smart devices.

Microbiological analysis showed that Salmonella and E. coli can survive on tablet screens for more than 24 hours at room temperature, indicating that such devices may contribute to cross-contamination.

Trish Twohig, director of food safety at Safefood, said: “From finding recipes to watching cooking tutorials or capturing moments on social media, smart devices such as smartphones and tablets have become essential tools for many when preparing meals. Given the widespread use of these devices in the kitchen, people should be aware of possible food safety risks.

Focus group and survey results

People were generally able to identify good and bad security practices; however, they found that external factors such as lack of time and the presence of children could influence their behavior.

It also surveyed 520 adults in Ireland to explore perceptions, attitudes and awareness of food safety when cooking and using smart devices at the same time.

Younger participants and women were more likely to use the device while cooking or preparing a meal. The perceived risk of cross-contamination from devices and food poisoning at home was low.

Dr Mairead McCann, Technical Director at Safefood, said: “This new research is a useful reminder for home cooks about the potential dangers of smart devices in the kitchen and the importance of good food safety at home. Following good habits, such as washing your hands regularly and properly, and cleaning and disinfecting your smart devices, can help reduce cross-contamination when cooking and using them.”

Guidance from Safefood, a group that promotes food safety and nutrition in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, when using phones and tablets in the kitchen includes washing hands, cleaning countertops and disinfecting smart devices.

Before and between handling ingredients and your smart device, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap, and then dry them with a clean towel. Always wash kitchen counters with hot soapy water before and after preparing food. Cleaning as you go will help reduce cross-contamination.

Disinfect your smart device before cooking to reduce potential cross-contamination. Disinfect the device after cooking if you have handled raw ingredients such as meat, poultry or eggs. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)