Mobile Phones Used by Food Vendors Could Spread Infections- Experts

Mobile phones used by food vendors may be a hidden source of harmful microorganisms that can contaminate food, a recent study has revealed.

Published in the 2026 edition of the International Journal of Pathogen Research, the research analysed 20 phones from ready-to-eat food vendors, 10 smartphones and 10 button phones, collected between January and June 2025.

Laboratory tests detected a range of bacteria, including Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Escherichia, and Corynebact.

Bacillus and Staphylococcus were most common on button phones, each making up 25.6% of isolates, while Staphylococcus dominated smartphones at 37%.

Fungal organisms were also found, including Aspergillus, Candida, Mucor, and Rhizopus species.

Mucor was most prevalent on button phones, whereas Aspergillus and Rhizopus were more common on smartphones.

The study showed that button phones carried a higher microbial load than smartphones, and some of the microorganisms exhibited resistance to certain antibiotics, underscoring their public health significance.

Researchers said contamination is likely linked to frequent phone use after handling food or touching surfaces without proper hand hygiene.

They warned that mobile phones can act as fomites, objects that carry and transmit infectious agents, allowing microbes to transfer from hands to food.

The study urges food vendors to adopt safer practices, including regular handwashing, disinfecting phones, and avoiding mobile phone use while preparing or serving food.

Experts say the findings highlight the need for public awareness and hygiene education, noting that everyday devices like mobile phones may play a larger role in spreading infections than previously recognised, particularly in food service settings.