"Too clean for our own good?": current issues in home hygiene

The public is confused by apparently conflicting messages about the need for hygiene to prevent food poisoning and other infectious intestinal disease (IID) and the hypothesis that the increase in atopic disease may be linked to lack of exposure to microbes in early childhood. The consensus of hygiene experts is that the public needs to understand what constitutes effective hygiene and how to target key household areas. Handwashing is particularly important, as are cleanliness and disinfection of food preparation surfaces. The issues are discussed and practical tips are given to pass on to families.