The Not-So-Refreshing Truth: Loma Linda University Reveals What’s Really in Your Fast-Food Drink
Researchers from Loma Linda University (LLU) discovered that many drinking water sources in the Eastern Coachella Valley, notably fast-food soda fountains, were tainted with microbial contaminants.
Surprisingly, 41% of the samples taken from these dispensers tested positive for total coliforms, signaling potential contamination.
Diving deeper with molecular studies, these samples showcased the presence of bacterial genetic footprints, notably those of Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli. In light of these discoveries, the researchers strongly urge dispenser managers to maintain a rigorous cleaning routine.
“To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to assess the water quality from soda fountains, water vending machines, swabs, and tap water, especially in the Eastern Coachella Valley,” remarked Thomas Hile, PhD, MSc, an LLU affiliated researcher and lead author of the study.
Their compelling findings were featured in ‘Water Supply‘, a reputed journal of the International Water Association.
For this study, the team meticulously gathered 72 samples, spanning beverage dispensers in fast-food outlets, vending machines, and even outdoor taps across Eastern Coachella Valley. After onsite initial analysis, the samples underwent rigorous laboratory testing.
Their scrutiny revealed the troubling existence of biofilms — dense microbial communities notorious for causing disturbances across several sectors, including health. Alarmingly, bacterial counts in several samples went beyond the safety thresholds established by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The study’s authors pointedly mentioned, “The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in drinking water is a serious public health concern and cannot be overemphasized.”
Their in-depth investigation suggests that over time, these biofilms establish themselves within the plastic conduits of water distribution systems, which direct water into these beverage dispensers. Moreover, the inherent filtration mechanisms of these machines, if neglected, fall short in ensuring clean water.
It’s essential to note that the Eastern Coachella Valley, housing cities like Coachella and localities such as Thermal, Oasis, Mecca, and North Shore, faces environmental justice challenges. Predominantly Latino communities here, many being migrant and farm-working families, already grapple with securing clean drinking water.
Ryan Sinclair, PhD, MPH, a chief contributor to the study and an esteemed professor at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health and Medicine, emphasized, “The study collected water samples from an underserved area, where there generally aren’t routine checks of water quality and lack of maintenance for soda fountains or water vending machines.”
Sinclair accentuated the urgency of sculpting specific guidelines and oversight for fast-food beverage dispensers and similar machines. To safeguard public health, the study advocates for routine cleaning, system flushes, and the inclusion of antimicrobial components to curb biofilm growth.
The research ensemble is now setting its sights on evaluating the potential health risks linked to the detected microbial levels in their samples.
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