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Can hair contamination really make us ill?
Staphylococcus Aureus
So...can hair contamination REALLY make us ill?
Hair is a source of microbiological contamination as the human scalp often contains Staphylococcus Aureus, a food poisoning organism. Therefore any hair in food can be a root cause of cross contamination and can indeed make us ill.
Reducing the risk of Staphylococcus Aureus is important because it has the ability to make seven different toxins that are frequently responsible for food poisoning.
Staphylococcus multiplies in food, is resistent to heat and cannot be destroyed by cooking.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention states that the most common way for food to be contaminated with Staphylococcus is through contact with food workers. In addition, foods at the highest risk of contamination from Staphylococcus are those that are made by hand and require no cooking.
Some examples of foods that have caused Staphylococcal food poisoning are sliced meat, puddings, pastries and sandwiches.
In 2011, Staphylococcus Arureus was estimated as the 5th most prevelant cause of food poisoning in the United States
It has also been said that hair found in food is a warning to consumers of general poor hygiene standards.
REMEMBER every single person sheds between 100 and 150 hairs EACH AND EVERY DAY!
Hair contamination is a PHYSICAL and BIOLOGICAL HAZARD
