That kitchen sponge sitting by your sink is not as innocent as it looks. It could be harbouring Salmonella enteritidis, E coli or Staphylococcus aureus – and there’s no way to tell just by looking at it or smelling it.

New research from Germany grew bacteria from sponges in the lab, analysed their DNA and examined them under powerful microscopes. It revealed that food-poisoning bacteria can grow inside everyday kitchen sponges and form sticky, protective layers that are hard to remove. The bacteria could survive for at least two weeks, even once the sponge had dried out.

The researchers also found that germs living in a sponge could transfer to kitchen worktops with a single wipe.

Microbiologists have known for nearly ten years that bacteria from the environment can build up in kitchen sponges, including both harmless types and ones that can cause illness under the right conditions. But this latest study looked specifically at the infection risk.

The researchers found that kitchen sponges may act as a store of........

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