ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

A study has revealed "unacceptably high" levels of harmful bacteria in UK hospital cafes run by Costa and Subway.

Researchers from BBC's Watchdog Live found salmonella and staphylococcus in branches run by both chains. However, no such contamination was found in cafes run by the Royal Voluntary Service.

The team swabbed tables, trays and ice at 10 Costa-owned cafes, 10 Subway cafes and 10 run by the RVS. Salmonella was found in one sample of ice from a Costa-run cafe and two samples taken from tables. It was also found on two trays and four tables in the Subway branches.

And staphylococcus was discovered in ice, tray and table samples from Costa and in ice and tray samples at a Subway branch. Environmental Health specialist Sian Buckley said the results were unacceptable because patients with weakened immune systems were coming into regular contact with the cafes.

"Hygiene practices should be good across all food businesses, but in this environment there is a greater responsibility to ensure that practices are managed effectively," she said.

A Costa Coffee spokesperson claimed the company was "very disappointed" with the findings. "We are confident we have the right policies, procedures and equipment in place but following these results we've taken immediate action to review how they are implemented and to conduct independent checks at all our hospital stores," he said.

A Subway spokesperson added: "We have contacted each of the franchise-owners in question who have confirmed that they are following their policies and procedures." And an RVS spokesman said: ‘We are reassured by the results of this test which show our dedicated volunteers and staff succeeding in doing their utmost to keep our cafes clean."