Kitchen exhaust systems play crucial roles in maintaining the health and safety of commercial kitchens. However, over time, a kitchen exhaust system may develop faults, especially if it’s not cared for. After a point, the system may fail to do what it’s supposed to, and this can pose a variety of risks. One of those risks involves the build-up of bacteria in the kitchen, which can be dangerous not just for your kitchen staff, but also for your customers.

In this article, we’ll attempt to educate you on the types of pathogens that can build up in your commercial kitchen when there’s a faulty kitchen exhaust system. So, without any further delay, let’s get started!

1. Campylobacter

These spiral-shaped bacteria are typically found in animals with gut infections. Animals commonly affected by these bacteria include cattle and poultry. If you haven’t invested in kitchen exhaust cleaning recently, campylobacter may accumulate across a variety of surfaces, which is likely to drastically increase infection risks.

If an infection does occur, one or more of the following symptoms are likely:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea

While campylobacteriosis is treatable and typically resolves within 3 – 6 days, it can go on to cause complications. If the infection isn’t managed or treated, it can result in pancreatitis, hepatitis, and/or bacteraemia.

2. Salmonella

The salmonella bacteria are a cause of conditions such as gastroenteritis and typhoid fever. Even though salmonella infections can be treated, they can overwhelm immuno-compromised people. Salmonella bacteria are found in the bowels, intestines, and feces of animals and human beings.

Some of the common symptoms of salmonella infections are:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Chills
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Presence of blood in stool
  • Headaches

Most cases of salmonella infections resolve within a week. However, the infections often cause long-term changes in bowel habits, which can take a few months to resolve. Some salmonella varieties can lead to typhoid fevers.

3. Listeria

These bacteria can be present in unpasteurized milk and deli meat. Most listeria infections tend to affect pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

Some of the symptoms of listeria infections (listeriosis) are:

  • Headaches
  • Chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach upset
  • Fever
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Balance issues
  • Muscle aches
  • Convulsions

Sometimes, when listeria infections are left to linger, they may go on to result in the spread of the bacteria to the brain and/or bloodstream. In such cases, the infections can become severe and lead to complications such as encephalitis, meningitis, and/or sepsis.

4. Escherichia Coli (E. Coli)

The E. Coli bacteria occur naturally in both animals and humans, typically in the lower intestines. While the presence of the bacteria is nothing to worry about in normal circumstances, sometimes, too much of them can result in infections.

E. Coli infections’ symptoms include:

  • Appetite loss
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps and pains
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Fever

More often than not, E. Coli infections don’t need medical intervention as they go away on their own within 5 – 7 days.

Conclusion

So, if you want your commercial kitchen to be free of these pathogens, it’s about time you paid some attention to kitchen exhaust cleaning. If your kitchen exhaust system hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, get in touch with the professionals right away.