This isn't new news and it's pretty much common sense but I've personally never realized how easy it can happen and how bad it can get.
Recently, coffee made through my single-serve and pod-based coffee maker has been making me sick - it essentially wreaked havoc on my digestive system. I thought it was all coffee in general until I started reading up on it.
I usually clean mine every 3 months or so with white vinegar but that is not nearly enough. I did a thorough cleaning today and the coffee tasted noticeably better.
I wouldn't be surprised if this affects a decent amount of people.
Tip: If coffee out of your machine starts to taste more bitter than usual then it might be a sign of mold.
http://www.nsf.org/newsroom/kitchen...st_id=10207777632868738_10207777632308724#_=_
http://www.purdueexponent.org/campus/article_213cf592-55b6-5e19-93cf-bad284632f8c.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/29/how-to-clean-coffee-maker_n_5861026.html
Recently, coffee made through my single-serve and pod-based coffee maker has been making me sick - it essentially wreaked havoc on my digestive system. I thought it was all coffee in general until I started reading up on it.
I usually clean mine every 3 months or so with white vinegar but that is not nearly enough. I did a thorough cleaning today and the coffee tasted noticeably better.
I wouldn't be surprised if this affects a decent amount of people.
Tip: If coffee out of your machine starts to taste more bitter than usual then it might be a sign of mold.
http://www.nsf.org/newsroom/kitchen...st_id=10207777632868738_10207777632308724#_=_
NSF microbiologists measured the levels of yeast, mold, coliform bacteria (a family of bacteria that includes Salmonella and E. coli and is an indicator of potential fecal contamination) and Staph bacteria.
For example, kitchen items such as the coffee maker reservoirs, countertops and stove knobs actually had higher germ counts than bathroom items, such as the bathroom door knob and light switch.
http://www.purdueexponent.org/campus/article_213cf592-55b6-5e19-93cf-bad284632f8c.html
A bitter taste to the coffee is not the only side effect that comes with mold exposure. Because all molds, mildews and bacteria pose health hazards, allergies tend to be a negative result as well. Other health hazards can include coughing, congestion, and respiratory infections.
“With respect to any coffee machine, the hazard is consuming mold spores through the coffee (drunk) from the infected pot,” said Newcom. “A person may experience gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, gas and diarrhea.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/29/how-to-clean-coffee-maker_n_5861026.html
"(Coffee makers) are certainly a moist environment where mold and bacteria are known to grow in high numbers," said Reynolds, who studies household germs at the University of Arizona. "Our bodies can deal with them, but at some point they'll grow to levels high enough to cause sickness."