Preliminary examination for cell numbers of total bacteria and coliform bacteria on tablewares, cutting boards, kitchen knives, faucets, and scouring sponges in our kitchen laboratories revealed that high rates (3.5 - 7.6x10
5cfu) of coliform bacteria were found in scouring sponges. Quantitative examination resulted in the presence of average 10
7 - 10
8 cfu of coliform bacteria per one sponge. Using sodium hypochrolite and benzalkonium chloride as disinfectants, conditions to completely kill 10
8 cfu of
Escherichia coli were established: After one sponge loaded with 10
8 cfu of
E.coli was well crumpled in 200 ml of 2.5 ppm sodium hypochrolite or 50 ppm benzalkonium chloride for 5 min, all bacteria disappeared.
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