Soda Fountains: Turns Out, They May Be Pretty Gross Places
First we heard that the ice in our drinks--oh, and let's not forget the lemon wedge too!--was loaded with germs. Now, health experts are warning that, statistically, you are likely to be drinking a pretty gross thing when you pour yourself a fizzy, fountain drink. And I won't beat around the bush. That thing is--I'll just say it--poo.
I've never been a fan of soda--and we all know the health concerns associated with drinking too much of it, diet or not--so I will admit, I'm not crying about a new report linking soda fountains to fecal bacteria and other types of drug-resistant bacteria.
According to research published in the January issue of the International Journal of Food Microbiology, nearly half of the 90 beverages from soda fountain machines in one state (Virginia) tested positive for coliform bacteria, indicating fecal contamination.
Related: 5 Frightening Truths About the Germs Under Your Fingernails (and His!)
Details from a CNN report: "They found that 48 percent of beverages obtained from soda fountains contained coliform bacteria, 11 percent contained E. coli (which are mostly harmless, but some can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia), and 17 percent had Chryseobacterium meningosepticum (which could sicken newborns or adults with weakened immune systems).
So how does, um, #2 wind up in your fountain drink?
Experts say poor sanitation at restaurants and business, as well as contaminated water (and maybe pipes and machinery) could be to blame. I also have suspicions about the help-yourself/communal nature of soda fountains. Let your mind wander.
"Certainly we come in contact with bacteria all the time," said Renee Godard, lead author of the study and professor of biology and environmental studies at Hollins University, a private liberal arts college in Roanoke, Virginia. "It's simply that some bacteria may potentially cause some disease or gastrointestinal distress. One thing we hesitate with is that people get afraid of bacteria. Many of them are benign or helpful, but certainly, I don't want E.coli in my beverage."
Afraid of bacteria we are not. But do we want to drink it? No we don't. If this isn't a good excuse to kick your sugary soda fountain habit, I don't know what is!
Are you a soda fountain junkie? Big Gulp lover? Diet cola maniac?
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