Is it necessary to wash soda cans?
By
Gretel Morales - 2023-01-18T17:34:05Z
When the Covid-19 pandemic came into our lives, chlorine and soap became our best allies in combating the virus as well as other microorganisms. At first, it was recommended to wash jars, cans, and other products, as it made us feel safe. Many years before, rumors arose about the supposed lack of hygiene in warehouses and storage facilities. You have probably heard about the urban myth that attributes the highest and most feared level of dirtiness to soda cans and food cans, leading to the claim that if you don’t wash them, you could get sick from all sorts of ailments. But how true is this? We set out to investigate! You can also wash: 4 tricks to open a stuck jar Although canned and soda cans are not a popular topic among scientists, some informal research has been conducted, such as in the case of the CBS News, which in 2013 analyzed 11 soda cans from various locations, resulting in shocking findings. With the help of a microbiologist, the network analyzed the cans for microorganisms and found: Mold Staphylococcus: A group of bacteria that cause infections in the skin, blood, and bones, as well as pneumonia, endocarditis, and toxic shock syndrome, according to the Medline Plus website. Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Bacteria that can cause infections in the ear or skin. Enterobacter cloacae: Bacteria found in feces and commonly inhabiting the intestines of humans and animals. It should be noted that, although we are surrounded by bacteria, their presence on soda and food cans could pose a health risk in some cases. Therefore, it is advisable to wash the cans with a bit of soap and water before opening them, especially if they are covered in dust or dirt. You can also read: How to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen