Have you ever seen black spots inside the lid of your plastic lunchbox or water bottle and ignored them, thinking they won’t do you any harm? In an Instagram video posted on July 8, Neethu Sureshkumar, a microbiologist working in Dubai, explained how that seemingly harmless black spot can be dangerous to your health.
Check your lunchbox lid today!
According to the microbiologist, the black spots found beneath the rubber gaskets of your lunchbox lids are mould growth, and they pose several hidden health hazards. She revealed that these fungal colonies thrive on trapped moisture and food remains, posing risks such as digestive distress or allergic reactions to vulnerable individuals.
Sharing a cautionary message in the video, the microbiologist stated, “If you see black spots inside your lunchbox lid, don’t ignore them. Those black spots you see under the rubber seal of your lunchbox lid are usually mould, a type of fungus that grows in warm, damp places where moisture and tiny food particles get trapped.”
“As a microbiologist, let me tell you, they can contaminate your food,” she further warned. Furthermore, she cautioned that if one keeps using the same lunchbox without cleaning it properly, mould spores can transfer to the food.
How do the mould spores harm your health?
According to the microbiologist, the mould spores, if not cleaned properly, may cause an upset stomach, allergies, or other health problems, especially in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
To ensure food safety, she advised frequently disinfecting the removable seals using hot, soapy water and ensuring they are entirely dry before reassembly. Here are the steps you should be following to thoroughly clean your lunchbox lids:
- Remove the rubber gasket regularly.
- Wash it with hot, soapy water.
- Dry it completely before putting it back.
- Store your lunchbox with the lid slightly open. Maintaining a dry storage environment with the lid open serves as a critical final step in preventing future contamination.
But what happens if the dark stains persist after scrubbing? The microbiologist said that, then, it is essential to replace the rubber gaskets on your lunchbox lids to prevent the spread of harmful spores. “If the black spots don’t come off after cleaning, replace the rubber seal or the lid. A clean lunchbox means safer food,” she added.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Neethu Sureshkumar, based in Dubai, UAE, is currently a microbiologist at GMG. She has done an MSc in Microbiology from Bharathiar University.
