The next time you blow out the candles on a birthday cake, you may want to wish for a strong immune system.

A study published in the Journal of Food Research found that blowing out birthday cake candles left behind 1400 percent more bacteria on the cake's frosting than if candles were not blown out on the cake.

The study suggests that those with health concerns may want to take safety measures when engaging in the birthday cake tradition.

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Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez