Microbial Contamination on Kitchen Surfaces in University Student Housing: Insights from Swab Analysis and Behavioral Surveys
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: ). Some associations between hygiene behaviors and microbial load were observed, including differences linked to dishwashing habits and the number of residents using the refrigerator. The descriptive trends suggest that certain behaviors, such as the frequency of dish towel sanitization and refrigerator cleaning, may influence microbial risks. These findings emphasize the importance of consistent hygiene practices in shared kitchen environments and support the development of educational and preventive strategies aimed at improving food safety among young adults living in communal housing, such as promoting proper dish towel and sponge replacement, clear cleaning responsibilities, and separation of utensils for raw and cooked foods.
Source: Journal of Food Protection
Authors: Gustavo Guimarães Fernandes Viana, Ana Julia Pereira Mello, Beatriz da Apresentação, Danilo dos Santos Gonçalves, Eduarda Yamauti Gerolamo, Giulya Monteiro de Castro, Guilherme Cardoso da Silva, Henrique de Rezende Corá, Izabella Regina da Silva Marcelino, Kaedra Piva Busch, Luana Kleinubing Aguiar, Luiza Mattos Mendonça, Max Sândalo Ferreira da Silva, Mayara de Sousa Canute, Miguel Sionti de Medeiros Paulino, Pedro Barasnevicius da Silva, Pedro Caldeira de Araújo, Talita Duran Semedo, Victoria Ribeiro Silvestre, Vinicius Guilherme de Araújo, Yasmim Rodrigues da Silva Santos, Rafael Alves Santomauro, Fábio Sossai Possebon, Carlo Spanu, Juliano Gonçalves Pereira
Institutions: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), University of Sassari
Language: English
Topic: Food Safety and Hygiene
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,300
Funder: Ministério da Educação
Award: G1115033794
OpenAlex ID: W4414396822