Jessie Taylor
Blowing out birthday candles is a tradition that has been questioned in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it raises concerns about sanitary conditions. The act of blowing out candles involves the transfer of oral bacteria and microorganisms from the blower's respiratory tract to the cake, increasing the bacteria on the frosting by up to 1400%. While some people find this practice unpleasant, others argue that it is a harmless ritual that contributes to the joy and warmth of birthday celebrations. This controversy has sparked discussions about alternative ways to blow out candles or replace the tradition altogether.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is blowing out birthday candles sanitary? | No, it increases bacteria on the cake by 1400% on average. |
| Chance of getting sick | Very minimal |
| Alternatives | Using a separate cake for the birthday person to blow out candles, plucking out candles and blowing them out individually, or using creative alternatives to blowing out candles |
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What You'll Learn
Blowing out birthday candles increases bacteria on the cake by 1400%
Blowing out birthday candles is a time-honoured tradition, but it turns out that it might not be the most sanitary practice. According to a 2017 study from Clemson University, published in the Journal of Food Research, blowing out the candles on a birthday cake can increase the amount of bacteria on the frosting by up to 1400%.
The study, titled "Bacterial Transfer Associated with Blowing Out Candles on a Birthday Cake", set out to measure the amount of bacteria transferred from the candle blower to the cake. To simulate a birthday party, the researchers fed their participants pizza to stimulate their salivary glands before asking them to blow out the candles. The frosting samples were then cultured to determine the amount of bacteria present.
The results showed that, on average, blowing out birthday candles resulted in 14 times more bacteria on the frosting. However, the amount of bacteria varied depending on the individual, with some people transferring a lot more bacteria than others. In one case, the amount of bacteria increased by more than 120 times!
While the thought of consuming someone else's saliva may be off-putting, it's important to note that the bacteria in our mouths are mostly harmless. The study's co-author also stated that eating a little cake bacteria is not a health concern, as long as the candle blower is not sick. However, it's still recommended to consume or refrigerate any blown-on cake as soon as possible to prevent the growth of bacteria that could potentially make you sick.
So, while blowing out birthday candles may increase bacteria on the cake, it's not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you're still squeamish about the idea, there are alternative ways to enjoy this tradition, such as providing individual cakes for blowing out candles or using creative methods like Mitt Romney's famous candle-plucking technique!
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Alternatives to blowing out birthday candles
Blowing out birthday candles is a time-honoured tradition, but it may not be the most sanitary way to celebrate a birthday, especially during a pandemic. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Individual Cake or Cupcake
Provide a small cake or cupcake for the person whose birthday it is. They can blow out the candles on their individual treat, while everyone else enjoys a separate, germ-free cake.
Use Fireworks
If your party is outdoors, you can use fireworks to make the birthday person feel special. Birthday cake sparklers are a great option, but you could also go bigger with Roman candles or bottle rockets! Just be sure to prioritise safety.
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks are a simple and safe alternative to birthday candles. Activate them, stick them in the cake, turn off the lights, and enjoy a glowing cake!
Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are a beautiful and versatile alternative to candles. They can be used almost anywhere and create a subtle yet stunning visual effect. Battery-operated fairy lights are easily transportable, so you can use them anywhere.
Action Figures
Instead of using candles, decorate the cake with action figures from the birthday person's favourite show. This can also double as a memorable gift.
While the risk of getting sick from blowing out birthday candles is minimal, these alternatives can provide a fun and creative way to celebrate, especially if you're concerned about germs or during a pandemic.
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Bacterial transfer from mouth to cake
Bacterial transfer from the mouth to cake is a legitimate concern, especially when it comes to blowing out birthday candles. After all, the mouth and respiratory tract are full of bacteria, and blowing out candles can spread these bacteria to the cake surface.
A study titled "Bacterial Transfer Associated with Blowing Out Candles on a Birthday Cake" by Paul Dawson, a professor of food safety at Clemson University, found that blowing out birthday candles can increase the amount of bacteria on the frosting by up to 1400%. The study involved spreading icing on foil and placing birthday candles through it into a Styrofoam base. Participants were fed pizza to simulate a birthday party and encourage saliva production, and then they blew out the candles. The icing samples were then tested for bacterial contamination.
The results showed a significant increase in bacteria, with some individuals transferring a lot more bacteria than others. However, it's important to note that not everyone who blew on the cake transferred bacteria, and the likelihood of getting sick from eating a piece of cake with blown-out candles is minimal. Our mouths are full of bacteria, most of which are not harmful.
Despite the minimal health risk, some people may still find the idea of consuming bacteria-laden cake unpleasant or uncomfortable. This has led to the development of creative alternatives to the traditional birthday candle-blowing ritual, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when concerns about viral transfer were heightened. Some suggestions include providing a small individual cake for the birthday celebrant to blow out, while others can enjoy a separate, bacteria-free cake.
While the risk of bacterial transfer from mouth to cake during birthday celebrations is low, it is understandable that some individuals may prefer to avoid this practice, especially if they are immunocompromised or particularly cautious about germ exposure. Ultimately, the decision to blow out birthday candles or opt for alternative celebrations is a personal one, and it is essential to respect the preferences and comfort levels of those involved.
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Blowing out birthday candles during Covid-19
Blowing out birthday candles has been a tradition for centuries. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made people more aware of the health and sanitary implications of this tradition. A 2017 study titled "Bacterial Transfer Associated with Blowing Out Candles on a Birthday Cake" found that blowing out birthday candles increases cake bacteria by 1400%. This has led to discussions about leaving this tradition behind, especially during the pandemic when people are more conscious about spreading germs and viruses.
While some people might find the idea of bacteria on birthday cakes disgusting, it is important to note that there is only a minuscule chance of viral transfer from blowing out candles. Our mouths are teeming with bacteria, most of which are not harmful. If birthday cakes significantly contributed to the spread of deadly diseases, it would be evident by now given the commonness of the practice.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandable if people are hesitant to continue this tradition, especially with the emergence of new variants. Dr. Vivek Cherian, an internal medicine physician, stated that while he predicts most activities will go back to "normal," some people might never feel comfortable with certain rituals returning, even after the pandemic ends.
So, what are some alternatives to blowing out birthday candles during COVID-19? Here are a few creative and sanitary options:
- Using a small, personal-sized cupcake or a "smash cake" for the birthday boy or girl to blow out their candles while everyone else enjoys a separate, bacteria-free cake.
- Waving your hands or using a paper plate, a handheld fan, or a hair dryer to blow out the candles without using your breath.
- Using candle snuffers or "wishing wands" in the shape of a party hat, a birthday present, or a bowling ball.
- Plucking the lit candles off the cake with your fingers and blowing them out one by one.
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Mitt Romney's sanitary candle-blowing technique
Blowing out birthday candles has long been a tradition, but it is not the most sanitary practice. A study titled "Bacterial Transfer Associated with Blowing Out Candles on a Birthday Cake" found that blowing out birthday candles increases the amount of bacteria on the frosting by up to 14 times, or 1,400%.
Mitt Romney, the American businessman and retired politician, seems to have been aware of this and developed his own unique and sanitary candle-blowing technique. In a 2019 video, Romney was seen carefully plucking each lit candle off of his office birthday cake and blowing them out in his fingers, one by one. This method ensures that he does not blow his breath, and potential germs and viruses, all over the cake.
Romney's technique is certainly an innovative and hygienic approach to blowing out birthday candles. By removing the candles individually, he avoids the transfer of bacteria to the cake, which is a common concern, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Romney's method also eliminates the need for alternative methods to make a birthday wish, such as using a separate "smash cake" for the birthday boy or girl to blow out their candles, while everyone else enjoys a separate, germ-free cake.
While some may find Romney's technique unusual or overly cautious, it is a practical solution to the unsanitary nature of the traditional candle-blowing practice. It is a simple yet effective way to reduce the spread of bacteria and maintain better hygiene during birthday celebrations.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Blowing out birthday candles increases the bacteria on the cake by 1400% on average.
The bacteria from a person's mouth and respiratory tract are transferred to the icing on the cake when they blow out the candles.
Some alternatives to blowing out birthday candles include:
- Plucking out each candle and blowing them out individually, like Mitt Romney.
- Dipping the candles in a bowl of water before blowing them out.
- Having a separate, smaller cake for the birthday person to blow out, while everyone else eats a separate cake.
The bacteria from a healthy person's mouth is unlikely to make you sick. However, if the person blowing out the candles is sick, the cake should not be eaten.
