NEWS Soap dispensers hiding deadly bacteria? Tests carried out at the University of Arizona have suggested that soap dispensers could be harbouring potentially dangerous bacteria. Germ specialist Dr Charles Gerba analysed soap dispensers in 296 food establishments across Arizona, Ohio and New Jersey. And he discovered that 15 per cent tested positive for harmful bacteria including E. coli and salmonella. Also found in the dispensers was klebsiella oxytoca, a superbug that attacks the skin and flesh and can even be deadly. The bug also causes fevers, coughs, chills, pneumonia and flu-like symptoms.

“Liquid soap can become contaminated with bacteria and poses a recognised health risk in healthcare settings,” states Gerba in his report. “In particular, bulk-soap dispensers are prone to bacterial contamination, and several outbreaks linked to the use of contaminated soap in healthcare settings have been reported.” He says the US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people not to add soap to a partially empty soap dispenser. “This practice of ‘topping off’ dispensers can lead to the bacterial contamination of soap,” he said. “Sealed soap dispensing systems, in contrast,

• D’après des essais menés par l’université de l’Arizona, il se peut que des distributeurs de savon abritent des bactéries potentiellement dangereuses. • Les organisateurs du salon allemand de la propreté CMS mettront l’accent sur les soins de santé, thème auquel ils consacreront un forum spécial le 26 septembre.

CMS forum

are typically refilled by inserting into the dispenser a new bag or cartridge of soap that usually includes a new nozzle.” However, he adds the public risk to health associated with contaminated bulk-soap dispensers remains unclear. “It would be very difficult if not impossible to trace the source of a community-acquired infection back to contaminated soap in a public restroom,” he said. “Therefore a greater understanding of the potential for bacteria from contaminated soap to remain on the hands and to be transferred to secondary surfaces after washing with contaminated soap is needed.”

• Aus Tests, die an der University of Arizona durchgeführt wurden, ging hervor, dass Seifenspender potenziell gefährliche Bakterien beherbergen könnten. • Die Organisatoren der deutschen Reinigungsmesse CMS legen den Schwerpunkt auf das Gesundheitswesen, und ein spezielles Forum wird am 26. September stattfinden

The German cleaning exhibition CMS takes place in Berlin from September 24-27, also featuring the CMS World Summit from September 25-26 There will be a special focus on hygiene in healthcare too, with the addition of a Practical Forum on Healthcare on September 26. This is aimed at all those with responsibility for cleaning and hygiene in the healthcare system. “Health is certainly a megatrend, and one that will continue to exert a powerful influence on us. We should take advantage of this enormous market,” said Markus Asch on behalf of trade body VDMA.

• Dei test eseguiti dalla Università dell’Arizona hanno evidenziato che i dispenser di sapone potrebbero ospitare dei batteri potenzialmente pericolosi. • Gli organizzatori della fiera del cleaning tedesca CMS si stanno concentrando sulla sanità, con un forum speciale che si terrà il 26 settembre, durante la fiera