McDonald's Touchscreens Test Positive for Traces of Feces and Deadly Bacteria: A Health Concern for Consumers

In November 2018, an alarming report was published by The Sun, revealing that touchscreens in McDonald’s restaurants tested positive for traces of fecal matter and dangerous bacteria. The investigation, carried out by Metro and scientists from London Metropolitan University, found a disturbing array of potentially harmful microorganisms on the self-service kiosks, sparking concern among health-conscious consumers.

The Findings

The investigation analyzed swabs taken from touchscreens in eight different McDonald’s locations across London and Birmingham, and the results were unsettling. The surfaces were found to be contaminated with a variety of harmful bacteria, including:

• Fecal Bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis): Commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals, fecal bacteria can lead to infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Its presence on public touchscreens indicates poor hygiene practices by users or inadequate cleaning protocols.

• Staphylococcus aureus: This bacteria can cause a range of infections, from minor skin irritations to more severe conditions like pneumonia or blood poisoning. Staphylococcus bacteria are known to spread quickly in environments where hygiene is not rigorously maintained.

• Listeria: Although less common, Listeria can be deadly, especially to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly. It is typically associated with contaminated food, but its presence on surfaces like touchscreens raises concerns about cross-contamination.

How Do Bacteria End Up on Touchscreens?

Touchscreens, like those used in McDonald’s self-service kiosks, are high-contact surfaces. Hundreds of customers touch these screens daily, often without washing their hands beforehand. If users have not washed their hands properly after using the bathroom or touching contaminated surfaces, they can transfer bacteria onto the touchscreens. These bacteria can then be picked up by the next user, potentially leading to illness.

Despite the risks, many consumers may not be aware of just how quickly germs can spread in public places. Even if the food at McDonald’s is handled hygienically, contact with contaminated surfaces like touchscreens can still pose a health threat.

Health Risks of Bacterial Contamination

The bacteria found on the touchscreens can cause a variety of health issues:

• Gastrointestinal Illnesses: Bacteria like Enterococcus and E. coli, which are often linked to fecal contamination, can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Such illnesses are particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

• Skin Infections: Staphylococcus bacteria, if they enter the body through a cut or scratch, can lead to infections ranging from mild skin irritations to more serious conditions like abscesses or boils.

• Foodborne Illnesses: Listeria, although less common, is especially dangerous because it can lead to severe illness, including meningitis and septicemia, in vulnerable populations.

What Can Be Done to Protect Yourself?

While the findings from the investigation are concerning, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from harmful bacteria when using public touchscreens, such as those at McDonald's:

• Wash Your Hands Regularly: One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection is to wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom and before eating. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

• Use Hand Sanitizer After Using Touchscreens: Many public spaces now provide hand sanitizer stations. Make it a habit to sanitize your hands immediately after using self-service kiosks or other public touchscreens.

• Avoid Touching Your Face: Bacteria from contaminated surfaces can easily enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. Be mindful of not touching your face until you’ve had a chance to clean your hands.

• Carry Antibacterial Wipes: If you’re particularly concerned, consider wiping down the touchscreen with a disinfectant wipe before using it. This can help reduce the risk of coming into contact with harmful bacteria.

• Encourage Better Hygiene Practices: Speak up if you notice a lack of cleanliness in your favorite fast-food restaurant. Suggest that management provide sanitizing stations or clean high-contact surfaces like touchscreens more frequently.

McDonald's Response

Following the report, McDonald’s reassured customers that they take hygiene and cleanliness very seriously. The company stated that their touchscreens are cleaned frequently, and they continue to monitor and improve their cleaning procedures to ensure the health and safety of their customers. However, given the findings, it’s important for customers to remain vigilant about their personal hygiene when using these services.

Conclusion

While McDonald’s touchscreens offer a convenient way to order food, they can also be breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. The discovery of fecal matter and dangerous microbes on these surfaces is a wake-up call for both consumers and the restaurant industry to prioritize hygiene and cleanliness. By taking personal precautions, such as washing your hands and using hand sanitizer, you can help protect yourself from potential infections when using self-service kiosks.

Being aware of the risks is the first step toward safeguarding your health in today’s increasingly automated world.

References

• Metro UK Investigation on McDonald’s Touchscreens
• CDC Guidelines on Hand Hygiene
• The Sun Report on Bacterial Contamination in Public Spaces