'Indicative of fecal contamination'

Have a look at this (particularly unpleasant) headline and standfirst, and then have a look at the full story on WESH.com.

Human waste found in soda fountains

First, the headline: "Human waste found in soda fountains". Well, the body copy says the fountains "contained coliform bacteria, which is a group indicative of fecal contamination". But it doesn't say anything about actual human waste being found.

And then the standfirst: "Virginia researchers find 70 percent of drinks contaminated". The body copy says "nearly half of all beverages" contained the bacteria - so where does this figure of 70% fit in?

Incidentally, the story refers to "a study" carried out by "experts" and "researchers", and also indirectly quotes "microbiologists". Names and details, please!

4 comments:

Neil said...

I've read something where coliforms are found on almost all toothbrushes too. Because flushing the toilet aerosolises (is that a word?) water droplets containing poo bacteria which settle on toothbrushes (and other surfaces).

I now store my brush elsewhere!

JD (The Engine Room) said...

Lovely. Thanks, Neil!

Neil said...

Keep your toothbrush out of the bathroom kids!!

Anonymous said...

Neil, have you got OCD?