US research nails food poisoning

LONDON - Feeling a bit queasy after that sumptuous buffet? It may be the chef's fingernails.

United States researchers have found that long fingernails on chefs, bakers and others who work with food could be a health hazard because they harbour 90 per cent of the bacteria that accumulate on hands.

A study at the University of Georgia found even vigorous washing does not remove all the bacteria under long or artificial nails, the New Scientist magazine said yesterday.

"Next time you go to a restaurant it might be worth inspecting the chef's fingernails before you eat," the magazine said.

Michael Doyle, who led the research team, said volunteers who had e.coli-contaminated beef pushed under their fingernails could not remove all the germs even with a nailbrush.

He called for regulations requiring food and health workers to keep their fingernails short.

- REUTERS

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