Fast-Food Soda Fountains Raise Health Concerns Due to High Bacteria Levels

In a recent study conducted in Southern California, researchers have raised concerns about the cleanliness of soda fountains in fast-food restaurants. The study found that these fountains were dispensing drinks with bacteria levels that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations for drinking water. 

The research, led by scientists from Loma Linda University, focused on fast-food establishments in the eastern Coachella Valley. This region, predominantly inhabited by low-income Latino farmworker families, has previously grappled with issues related to potable water access. The area has also been flagged by federal officials for water pollution. 

The study’s findings, published in the journal “Drinking Water,” revealed that over 40% of water samples from soda fountains contained coliforms, a sign of contamination. This discovery has raised questions about the sanitation and maintenance of these fountains, which are supposed to adhere to government and manufacturer standards. 

Thomas Hile, the lead author of the study, emphasized that this issue might not be limited to the Coachella Valley. He believes that soda fountain contamination is a broader problem that has been largely overlooked. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time such concerns have been raised. Over a decade ago, similar findings were reported regarding the public health risks associated with soda fountains. 

The recent study’s inception was somewhat serendipitous. While collecting tap water samples at the Oasis Mobile Home Park, researchers Hile and Ryan Sinclair decided to grab a meal at a local fast-food chain. This casual meal led Sinclair to ponder the cleanliness of the soda they were drinking, prompting further investigation. 

In their extensive research, the team collected over 70 water samples from various sources, including soda fountains, vending machines, and taps. Alarmingly, they found traces of harmful bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in all these sources. Such pathogens can lead to severe illnesses, including gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, hepatitis, and even death. 

The researchers believe that biofilms, slimy collections of organisms, might be developing in the plastic piping of water distribution systems. These biofilms provide an ideal environment for bacteria growth, making the filtration systems in vending machines and soda fountains ineffective against contamination. 

Joan Rose, a renowned microbiologist, expressed concern over these findings, emphasizing the need for more in-depth investigations. The broader risk of coliform presence in drinking water remains uncertain. 

A decade ago, a study from Hollins University in Virginia had already highlighted the risks associated with soda fountains. They pointed out the lack of regulations and inspections concerning the tubing and beverages in soda fountains. 

Patrick Guzzle, from the National Restaurant Association, stated that soda fountains are required to be cleaned as per the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code. He speculated that the recent findings might be more related to the tap water quality issues in the Coachella Valley. 

In response to the study, Loma Linda researchers have called for stricter regulations and surveillance around soda fountains and water vending machines. They recommend the use of antimicrobial tubing and regular cleaning to curb bacterial growth.For now, customers are left to trust the hygiene practices of their favorite fast-food outlets. For some, like study author Hile, that’s a risk too significant to take. 

Journal Reference  

Hile, T. D., Dunbar, S. G., & Sinclair, R. G. (2023). Microbial contamination analysis of drinking water from bulk dispensers and fast-food restaurants in the Eastern Coachella Valley, California. Retrieved from https://iwaponline.com/ws/article/23/9/3578/96866/Microbial-contamination-analysis-of-drinking-water