A new study reveals hygienic risks in the practice of using, washing, and maintaining workwear in the food industry

In a recent study conducted by market research company Norstat on behalf of textile service provider Lindström, 940 users of workwear in the food industry were surveyed in 11 European countries. The results show that hygienic practices in the food industry may not be as robust as assumed, posing a potential risk to food safety. 

This study found that washing work clothes at home is still common, even where employers provide a professional laundry service. A significant part of users, 73%, took work clothes home to wash. Even more worryingly, 64% of those who wash at home said they do so at temperatures below 70°C – not enough to effectively eliminate harmful bacteria. Although ironing can also significantly reduce the presence of bacteria, less than one-third of respondents said they always ironed their clothes. 

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