Deadly ‘Superbug’ Bacteria Detected in Soda Fountains Raises Health Concerns
A recent study has uncovered a concerning issue with soda fountains found in eateries and fast-food establishments. These popular fixtures, known for their wide variety of carbonated beverages and unlimited refills, have been found to be contaminated with coliform bacteria in 41% of cases. The study was conducted in the eastern Coachella Valley, a significant agricultural region \east of Los Angeles with a primarily Latino farmworker population.
The contaminated water coming from these soda fountains was found to contain some of the most dangerous “superbug” bacteria known to science. Thomas Hile, a researcher associated with Loma Linda University and the lead author of the study, emphasized that this issue might not be limited to this specific region but is potentially widespread and has been somewhat overlooked.
Microbiologist Joan Rose from Michigan State University, who was not part of the study, expressed concern over the findings. She highlighted the need for further investigations, stating, “It’s a concern that they found these pathogens. It’s clearly an indicator that we need to do more investigations like this. We just don’t know how big the threat is.”
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times
