8 On Your Side: Double Dipping Chips Can Transfer Thousands of Bacteria
Written by Joy Lambert
Sunday, 07 February 2010 10:48 pm
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A scientific report may cause snackers to take a second look at that communal bowl of dip.
If you remember that infamous Seinfeld episode with the "Double Dipping," you already know what kind of controversy the 'dips' can cause at a party.
Many people say they double dip because they don't get enough on their chip, or just because it's habit.
However, many River Region residents call double dipping, "gross," especially in mixed company.
But, more than just social consideration, sharing that bowl of dip may mean sharing more than we'd like.
Associate professor of microbiology at Alabama State University, Omar Oyarzabal, specializes in food safety.
He says, bacteria can be spread by just dipping in itself, because the salsa is a water composition, it will have bacteria, and that may mean more chances of transferring bacteria from the mouth to the salsa.
Thousands of bacteria, live in your mouth, and according to studies, sporadic double dipping in a cup of dip transfers at least 50 to 100 bacteria from one mouth to another with every bite.
Oyarzabal says, "some bacteria can multiply every minute so you may have more bacteria at the end then the beginning."
But, the professor says, that level of bacteria doesn't necessarily put you at a health risk, and you should still choose your dip based on personal preference.
Still, if you wouldn't kiss the double dipper, scientist suggest, to get your own bowl.
According to a Clemson University study, on average, three to six double dips transferred about 10-thousand bacteria from the eater's mouth to the remaining dip.
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