Soda fountains are pretty much everywhere now, and the act of filling up your cup has become so commonplace that you probably don’t think twice about it. But Parade magazine writes that a recent study, published in August by the International Water Association, suggests that a fair amount of the fountains we’ve grown used to using might be contaminated with some pretty nasty bacteria—the kind that can make people sick.
The study, conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University, focused on testing water dispensed at fast food restaurants (specifically from soda fountains) in the Eastern Coachella Valley in California. It was found that 42% of the samples indicated the presence of coliform bacteria, a clear marker for contamination.
Why are soda fountains so icky? It could be due to the plastic tubes connecting the syrup to the dispenser. These tubes must be cleaned well in order to prevent biofilm buildup.
Even if a restaurant is up to code, the tubes could still contain bacteria. Sip with caution!
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