The heightened influence of global pandemic and obsessive cleaning practices may cause health risks, experts say.
According to New Food Magazine, Kristie Jones, a well-known Environmental Health and Safety expert, reveals that hinching or the act of thorough cleaning may pose health risks when combined with the increased concern in dealing with the ongoing global pandemic.
Hinching became a famous word to describe the act of cleaning obsessively and thoroughly. Thanks to an influential Instagrammer mrshinchhome, who has already amassed over three million followers on Instagram. This influencer also had several appearances on various TV shows, including "This Morning" on ITV.
View this post on InstagramHave you collected your sticks yet guys? If you know you know So here is my sink that I’ve just shined purposely for this pic and on the left is the heart I made from sticks and stuck to the wall using command strips why? Because I’m a home account and this is the sort of stuff I LOVE to share! Live Your Life for You, Not to Please Expectations. You’ll be seeing a lot more of these kinda posts moving forward because I’ve missed this! xxx #mrshinch #homeaccount #hinchyourselfhappy #allthebest A post shared by Sophie Hinchliffe (@mrshinchhome) on May 12, 2020 at 10:33am PDT
Although promoting good hygiene and cleanliness is a good thing, experts are now claiming otherwise.
The cause of concern focuses on cleaning practices that often involve specific areas around the kitchen. Coupled with the heightened fear from the pandemic, this practice may cause harm more than good.
Read also: Should You Sanitize Your Groceries? Tips on How to Shop Safely to Avoid COVID-19
Nowadays, thorough disinfecting has become a trend since there is a fear of bacteria and viruses lingering in food packaging, which can be transferred if not correctly handled and sanitized.
Although there is varying information regarding how long these viruses stay on surfaces, most experts say they have a lasting power of up to 72 hours.
Possibility of Chemical Contamination
When sanitizing kitchen surfaces and the exterior of food packaging, there may be chemicals contents and cleaning products that could be a health hazard if they cross-contaminate food. Always keep in mind to use cleaning products that are food safe in the kitchen.
Check the label of the cleaning products that you often use.One typical example of a cleaning product that should not be used in the kitchen is bleach. It can easily cause cross-contamination, mostly when kitchen surfaces are not wiped down thoroughly.
Chemical contents from bleach can be transferred to food and harm a person's digestive system because of ingested contaminated food.
IIn the same way, chemical cleaners may be too harsh and not appropriate for cleaning kitchen surfaces. These can easily cause corrosion and damage kitchen surfaces, which can lead to physical food contamination.
There could be areas in the kitchen that rusted pieces of metal that can get into your food. It can cause serious injury when ingested unknowingly.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Alternatives
Chlorine-based cleaning products can be an effective and safe alternative when sanitizing food packaging and cleaning kitchen surfaces. It can even be used to safely clean baby bottles or unpeeled fruit and raw vegetables.
Also, hand sanitizers are another safe option, especially when dining outside. These contain 60 to 70 percent alcohol but will not cause any harm should you accidentally digest some as most are created to be food safe.
Additionally, heat treatment can also be an option to keep your food and kitchenware clean and safe. Cooking your food thoroughly can kill any lingering bacteria.
Similarly, dishwashers with a heat treatment option can kill bacteria on any kitchenware and utensils as it rinses with a temperature that reaches above 82°C.
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