Rinse aids from commercial dishwashers can remain on dishes, end up in our dishes and consequently cause damage to health, especially intestinal health. A Swiss study discovered this
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A study conducted by Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF)associated with the University of Zurich, highlighted an often underestimated aspect of dishwasher use: the problems resulting from rinse aid residues, containing ethoxylated alcohol, which can remain on the dishes.
What happens during the wash cycle
The study was conducted on commercial dishwashers, i.e. those used in environments such as restaurants, canteens and barracks, and designed to guarantee speed and efficiency. Each cycle is made up of two very fast phases (lasting approximately 60 seconds): the first to wash with hot water and detergent, the second to apply rinse aid.
The problem is that a final rinse is often missing to eliminate chemical residues, which therefore tend to remain on dry dishes and which inevitably, once we use plates, cutlery and glasses, we end up ingesting.
Cezmi Akdis, director of SIAF, warns:
These chemical residues easily end up in the gastrointestinal tract during subsequent use of the dishes, putting the health of those who consume food on them at risk.
The dangers of alcohol ethoxylates
Commercial rinse aids contain ethoxylated alcohola substance which, as demonstrated by researchers, severely damages the intestinal epithelium. In the laboratory, human intestinal organoids and cells on microchips were exposed to concentrations of rinse aid similar to those found on dishes washed in the dishwasher.
The effects found were the following:
Destruction of the intestinal barrier is linked to an increase in chronic diseases such as food allergies, gastritis, obesity, and even neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s. Akdis’ research supports the “epithelial barrier” hypothesis, which links chemical exposure to damage to the body’s natural barriers, paving the way for systemic pathologies.
The results of this study highlight the need to regulate the use of alcohol ethoxylates in commercial rinse aids and to raise public awareness of the associated risks. As Akdis points out:
Greater attention is needed at a legislative level and a commitment to improving washing processes to protect consumer health.
Possible solutions
Possible solutions are:
What about domestic dishwashers?
As for domestic dishwashers, thanks to their longer rinse cycles compared to professional ones, they remove a greater quantity of chemical residues, but to guarantee safer washing for health and the environment, it is always advisable to use ecological detergents and rinse aids and, when necessary, activate an extra rinse cycle.
