June 15, 2025, 4:29 am | Read time: 2 minutes
A quick glance at the recipe video, a fast reply to a message—reaching for your phone while cooking risks more than just dirty fingers. In the kitchen, the smartphone becomes an invisible germ spreader. What many overlook could have serious consequences.
In many kitchens, the smartphone is a constant companion—even when handling raw meat. But this poses a significant infection risk, warns the Consumer Advice Center NRW: Pathogens like salmonella or campylobacter can easily transfer from the meat to the device and then to food. Therefore, it’s better not to use the phone in the kitchen while cooking.
Germs from Meat and Smartphone Use
The smartphone is indispensable in many kitchens: Whether following a cooking video or checking the next recipe step, reaching for the device often happens automatically. However, it becomes particularly risky when handling raw meat at the same time. Chicken, in particular, is a common source of dangerous bacteria like salmonella or campylobacter, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses.
Also of interest: 8 Common Kitchen Hygiene Mistakes
Those who then reach for their smartphone without thoroughly washing their hands first transfer the germs directly to the display. According to the Consumer Advice Center NRW, this is a major hygiene issue: If you use your phone during food preparation without washing your hands thoroughly in between, you wipe the germs directly onto the device.
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How Pathogens Spread Further in the Kitchen
The danger doesn’t stop at the screen. The germs are repeatedly transferred to hands, other foods, and kitchen surfaces, explain the consumer advocates. Even harmless water splashes can carry germs—such as onto the smartphone. Therefore, the Consumer Advice Center also advises against washing meat before cooking. This only increases the risk of spreading germs through splashes.
Risk Numbers and Hygiene Tips
According to the Consumer Advice Center NRW, about one million people in Germany are infected annually by pathogens in food. To minimize the risk, thorough handwashing while cooking is essential—especially when switching between smartphone use and handling food. The recommendation is to consciously separate smartphone use from food contact.
A technical helper can assist: Many mobile phones now have voice control. This allows the device to be operated without touching it with your hands—a simple way to significantly reduce germ transmission.
With material from dpa