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Levels of bacteria found on money too low for concern

Suspicions have long been held by consumers that staff handling money and then food can lead to contamination of the food that is served in food outlets.

Dr Frank Vriesekoop (Institute of Food and Crop Science, University of Ballarat) presented findings of research in this area at the 2006 AIFST Annual Convention, which was then reported in the Herald Sun Newspaper. The research involved screening approximately 400 coins and 350 notes for the presence of bacteria. The money was sourced from small food outlets, such as cafés and bakeries, where staff were likely to handle both food and money.

Not surprisingly, the most common bacteria found was Staphylococcus aureus, a microorganism commonly present on the skin and in the nasal passage of about one third of the population. Escherichia coli was also found on a high proportion of coins, but Salmonella spp. were found on only two coins. A small proportion of the bacteria isolated were found to show varied resistance to the three most commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Although 95 percent of the money tested carried bacteria, the levels found were so low that they were unlikely to cause illness. Dr Vriesekoop said that the bacteria were no different from what could be found on doorknobs or other items commonly handled by the public. He stated, "As long as sensible precautions are made when preparing food and handling money, there is no cause for concern".

To date no outbreaks of foodborne illness have been associated with infection from money. However, evidence for the presence of pathogenic bacteria on currency reinforces the need for strict adherence to hygienic practices among food handlers who also handle money. These practices consist mainly of adequate handwashing and/or appropriate glove wearing.