Great. Bacteria on the salt and pepper shakers?

[Lakesrider]

Saw Good Morning America today and they had a segment on the high bacteria counts on the Salt and pepper shakers, the Sugar dispenser, ketchup and mustard bottles, etc. Highest count, and even higher than a toilet seat, was the Menu. Just one more thing to watch while out eating...Yikes.....

[songkrai]

I viewed a similiar segment many years ago.

Question was: What item in the household has the highest germ count?

The answer was astounding.

The answer was the sponge used at the kitchen sink.

[Irish mist]

Originally Posted by songkrai

I viewed a similiar segment many years ago.

Question was: What item in the household has the highest germ count?

The answer was astounding.

The answer was the sponge used at the kitchen sink.

Soak the sponge in water & put it in the microwave for 60 seconds to kill all the germs & you are good to go

[baygo]

The menu is easily the most contaminated item in a restaurant. So many people handle the menu it is extremely difficult to stay ahead of germs. I check to see if the restaurant has a mobile friendly web site, then I will use my phone to review the menu from the table in the restaurant. Unfortunately not many web designers understand the phrase "mobile friendly"..

Anyone who dines at Tavern 27 can access www.tavern27.com via their web phone to review the menu. This is a clean option for those who have concerns. Those who do not have mobile access can rest comfortable knowing that we put forward a diligent effort to clean our menus.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

Saw Good Morning America today and they had a segment on the high bacteria counts on the Salt and pepper shakers, the Sugar dispenser, ketchup and mustard bottles, etc. Highest count, and even higher than a toilet seat, was the Menu. Just one more thing to watch while out eating...Yikes.....

Our society has become one that wants to be in such a sterile environment that we are not safe anywhere.

What the segment suggested after the customer used the menu was to go to the rest room and wash your hands. Of course, what they didn't say was: don't touch the paper towel holder, or the hot air dryer; don't touch the faucets to shut them off; don't touch the door to get out of the restroom (not everyone washes their hands after using the bathroom); don't touch the table on the edges of the table, lest you have to go back to the restroom and start over again; make sure before you leave the house that you have your own salt and pepper, ketchup, mustard, eating utensils, glasses, cups, ice (for cold drinks); pay your bill in cash, remembering to go to the restroom after paying the bill; don't touch the paper towel...

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

Saw Good Morning America today and they had a segment on the high bacteria counts on the Salt and pepper shakers,

Does the Federal Government still allow the legal maximum of 8% "insect parts" in pepper?

[sa meredith]

When in Christ's name did we become a society of a bunch of wusses???!! I mean really, where does this end?
Don't come within 5 miles of me if you have a ciggarette.
Don't eat fast food, or you'll drop dead on the way home.
Don't throw away a plastic water bottle, or the earth will implode.
Don't go to the grocery store without your own re usable bags, because the ones they give you are bad.
And now...we have people suggesting that we access a restautant's menu from their mobile device (which should be left in the freakin' car...you're out to dinner. Make conversation, and save the texting and Facebook for later). I mean honestly...don't touch the menu. My God...I simply cannot believe the people that use hand sanitizer all day long...after every time they touch something. It seems bizzare to me. People existed for a long time, using public restrooms, and touching menus.
Seriously...when you no longer want to read from a menu in your hand, it's time to just lock yourself in your shrink wrapped house, and stay there.
Enough is enough...
This past Thanksgiving I was playing a card game with my little niece, and said to her "let's sit on floor, indian style" and she had no idea what I meant. My sister in law went off have cocked, saying..."no one says that anymore. It's terrible. They tell the kids in school to sit 'criss cross applesauce' ". Seriously.... Saying "indian style" is no longer acceptable??!!
Stop the world, I want to get off...

[RailroadJoe]

I wear my gloves everywhere, inside and outside! Doesn't everyone?

[Newbiesaukee]

This is one of the few subjects discussed on the Forums that I do know something about. Although I will accept that the results presented are correct...so what. Where is the evidence that any of this means something? Bacteria, good, bad or indifferent are everywhere. The IMPLICATION is that we now need to be afraid to pick up the salt shaker but no proof is offered that the bacteria cause disease which would be the ONLY reason to present such a report.

Don't get me wrong. Bacteria can cause disease. Hand washing by folks in a hospital can save lives as can proper, relevant food safety practices at home and in restaurants.

In my opinion, the problem is the abysmal level of critical thinking in our country and the ignorance, willful or not, of scientific thinking. This lack of critical thinking is, IMO, a threat to our very existence with implications in science, politics, economics, etc.

The Internet, which can be a source of unlimited information,is a blessing or a curse depending on the ability to separate the good from the nonsense. This is really all that critical thinking means.

I know it is just a stupid report....but it typifies all that I find frightening in our society.

[SAMIAM]

Well said SaMeredith......Stop and think for a minute.There are germs everywhere. In your car,home,every store and office,,door handles,airplanes......even the air you breathe.
They are, and always have been on everything you touch and this is not a problem for most people.Get enough sleep,keep a healthy diet (maybe a few vitamins) and wash hands often.
A restaurant is held to a much higher standard and BOH inspectors take swabs,check temps and really do a thorough job checking sanitation so you really don't have to worry much while eating out in spite of what you may hear on GMA.
There is one rule that we have at the Village Kitchen (dreamed it up myself,thank you very much) ...........all food handlers and kitchen emplyees are required to wash their hands TWICE........once in the restroom,as the law requires,and once again in the kitchen before returning to work and putting on latex gloves.
The idea came to me years ago when I noticed the sign in the restroom (All employes must wash hands before returning to work) which is a great idea if you didn't need to open the door to get out of there.....jeesh.
Also,keep in mind that all restaurants,both independants and chains are held to the same standards.....so eat out often and don't worry.Besides,we can use the money

[Argie's Wife]

One of the most germ infested things in your home or office is your computer keyboard and mouse!

Source: HERE

Yuck! This month's Marie Claire pinpoints the dirtiest things on your desktop, and what were at the top of the list?

Your mouse, at 846 germs per square inch, and your keyboard, at 719.

...but that doesn't slow us down on winni.com from speaking our mind. We're tough NH stock here.

[20mile]

Humans would perish if it were not for bacteria. Our intestines are loaded with bacteria. Without them we couldn't digest our food. That goes for every animal on the planet. Without germs we could not develop our immune systems and would be unable to fight off viruses.

People need to smarten up!

[RLW]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

Saw Good Morning America today and they had a segment on the high bacteria counts on the Salt and pepper shakers, the Sugar dispenser, ketchup and mustard bottles, etc. Highest count, and even higher than a toilet seat, was the Menu. Just one more thing to watch while out eating...Yikes.....

Yep, the news media is running out of material to write and talk about so they come up with all these crazies. There is way to many good things in this world to write about (leaving out the politicians) but they prefer to talk about the crap that most of us do not give a rat's *** about and we have lived through it all for decades without there help.

[This'nThat]

A quick Google search would give you plenty of information regarding bad and good bacteria, and the dangers of being "too clean" so as to not build up immunities over your life.

But GMA and the rest of the MSM are either too stupid to do fundamental research before they provide a report. Or, their bias towards an agenda is so overpowering that they deliberately leave out information that you can use, and instead try to feed us only what they want us to hear.

These are the same people, for example, that only give us one side of the global warming debate. Or who constantly bash one president because of his party, while giving a complete pass or even boost to a different political party.

Their bias is overwhelming. And I believe most of the bias is due to what they leave out of their reports, even more so than what they include within their reports.

[john60ri]

The morning shows like GMA have to fill 10-12 hours a week with silly adolescent fluff. I wouldn't believe them if they reported that the sky was up.

[NBR]

Go out and get some bacteria. Build some immuinity and enjoy. The door handle coming into the resturant has been touched by everyone coming in the door. Good grief we have become super wusses.

[Happy Gourmand]

.... in moderation, bacteria is beneficial. Though there are some exceptions.

[SIKSUKR]

First of all, there is no way Pepper has any bacteria on her. She is as clean as they come!! Second, I welcome most bacteria in my life to keep my body healthy. That's right, I want to be exposed so I can build resistance.

[kauriel]

I must admit touching things like menus and condiments that have been touched by many others grosses me out. I either pull my sleeve over my hand to touch stuff like that or sanitize my hands afterward. I absolutely hate when restaurants place menus on top of my silverware because while I can usually avoid putting my hands in my mouth, I can't usually avoid using a fork!

I may seem crazy but I have sinus issues so a simple cold can make me quite miserable. The good thing is that I did not get a single cold in 2010. The bad thing is that I got a very nasty stomach flu while on vacation. Problem these days is that travel spreads many germs that we do not have immunity to. I was never sicker than when I was in graduate school with many international students.

That being said, I'm much more relaxed about germs in my own home. I generally just use basic non-antibacterial soap at home and save sanitizer and antibacterial products for while I am out!

[sa meredith]

Originally Posted by kauriel

I must admit touching things like menus and condiments that have been touched by many others grosses me out. I either pull my sleeve over my hand to touch stuff like that or sanitize my hands afterward. I absolutely hate when restaurants place menus on top of my silverware because while I can usually avoid putting my hands in my mouth, I can't usually avoid using a fork!

I may seem crazy but I have sinus issues so a simple cold can make me quite miserable. The good thing is that I did not get a single cold in 2010. The bad thing is that I got a very nasty stomach flu while on vacation. Problem these days is that travel spreads many germs that we do not have immunity to. I was never sicker than when I was in graduate school with many international students.

That being said, I'm much more relaxed about germs in my own home. I generally just use basic non-antibacterial soap at home and save sanitizer and antibacterial products for while I am out!

Not trying to be rude here...but Kuriel, maybe your "over the top" approach over the years, has kept your body from building up the normal, natural immunties to "everyday" bacteria, that most people have?
I mean, look around...a person rolling their sleeve down over their hand to grasp a menu (or anything) in a public place...this looks/seems normal to you?
Have a couple glasses of OJ every morning, and throw caution to the wind! Give it a bit...who knows...

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Not trying to be rude here...but Kuriel, maybe your "over the top" approach over the years, has kept your body from building up the normal, natural immunties to "everyday" bacteria, that most people have?
I mean, look around...a person rolling their sleeve down over their hand to grasp a menu (or anything) in a public place...this looks/seems normal to you?
Have a couple glasses of OJ every morning, and throw caution to the wind! Give it a bit...who knows...

Like many other kids, when I was little I would pick up food off the floor and eat it. Heck, I still give it the old 3 second rule. How am I still alive?

[SAMIAM]

I second that SA. It's impossible to live from day to day without constant exposure. Everyone uses money, has a cell phone, goes shopping, drives a car, shakes hands....on and on. Best bet is to take care of yourself and hope for the best. We all get a cold or flu from time to time. Don't worry, be happy

[Lakepilot]

The World Health Organization says that antibiotic resistance is one of the leading health issues in the world today. There's one country that has a much lower level of infection then any other country - Norway. They did it by severly limiting the use of antibiotic and anti bacterial stuff.

Using those things is not only hazardous to yourself but to everyone else.

http://www.fftimes.com/node/229972

[rander7823]

Originally Posted by john60ri

The morning shows like GMA have to fill 10-12 hours a week with silly adolescent fluff. I wouldn't believe them if they reported that the sky was up.

Our news media no longer reports the news objectively they are out there making news to drive ratings.

Walter Cronkite is probably doing flips in his grave

[sa meredith]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

I second that SA. It's impossible to live from day to day without constant exposure. Everyone uses money, has a cell phone, goes shopping, drives a car, shakes hands....on and on. Best bet is to take care of yourself and hope for the best. We all get a cold or flu from time to time. Don't worry, be happy

It's why I drink alot...I wouldn't want some batch of bad booze to get me down the line. Gotta keep up the immunity!

[Harborist]

Boy, that brings back memories - my dad always snuck a little bit of raw hamburg to us kids as a treat way back when. He even (horrors!) salted it first. My dad's 74 and going strong, but I wouldn't eat raw meat on a bet these days.

[kauriel]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Not trying to be rude here...but Kuriel, maybe your "over the top" approach over the years, has kept your body from building up the normal, natural immunties to "everyday" bacteria, that most people have?
I mean, look around...a person rolling their sleeve down over their hand to grasp a menu (or anything) in a public place...this looks/seems normal to you?
Have a couple glasses of OJ every morning, and throw caution to the wind! Give it a bit...who knows...

I was raised with exposure to germs and in a normal environment (I'm the only germ freak in my family) but the problem is that I have a screwed up immune system. I've never had strep or just about anything treatable by antibiotics. Instead I catch viruses and wind up completely miserable and have to wait for it to pass. I am not a germ freak at home but I am out in public because I never know what others might have. Years ago the person in front of you likely did not just return from Asia or another area with different strains and diseases circulating but these days everything is global, including the spread of germs. However, I admit that I have some OCD issues when it comes to germs but you might too if you had dysfunctional sinuses and a whacky immune system

[SAMIAM]

I think we understand you now, Kauriel......Sorry that you have to deal with that. It must be tough to be getting sick so much. Maybe your dr can recommend a vitamin program or something to help you. Good luck.

[sa meredith]

I am sorry you are ill so much...I meant no harm....
and, must say, I know what you mean about the people around you, because...
Last night I went to the Celtic's game in Boston, and after the game went to several "watering holes" in the city. People everywhere! Packed! Shoulder to shoulder at some places. Had 6, maybe 7 "Ginger ales". Anyway, one of the strangers that crossed my path must have given me some type of germ, because...wow!!!! did I feel lousy early this morning. I guess it is also possible I got a bad ice cube.

[robmac]

Sorry to hear SA Meredith you got a bad cube,might have to take those "ginger ales" straight up. I have to agree with your other posts we as a society have gone IMO way overboard with all of this germaphobia. As a kid my Mom would pack her 6 kids luch say on one day it was tuna fish on Wonder bread. Well we're all still alive and kickin no ice pack in the brown bag and with real mayo on the sandwich. I mean really should we tell our kids you have to live in a bubble? Now there are exceptions some people are very sensitive to germs and my heart goes out to them but really wake up America a couple of germs ain't gonna kill ya.

[SAMIAM]

That'll teach you to drink ginger ale....a little Don Q 151 would have killed those germs.

[sa meredith]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

That'll teach you to drink ginger ale....a little Don Q 151 would have killed those germs.

Please take note of the quotation marks around Ginger Ale.

[robmac]

I took notice of them,but you can't trust that darn ice.

[rander7823]

Originally Posted by Harborist

Boy, that brings back memories - my dad always snuck a little bit of raw hamburg to us kids as a treat way back when. He even (horrors!) salted it first. My dad's 74 and going strong, but I wouldn't eat raw meat on a bet these days.

When I was a kid we used to leave pizza out all night and eat it first thing for breakfast...my wife won't even let it cool before it is wrapped in tinfoil and in the fridg.
Raw hotdogs used to be a favorite also.

[robmac]

I still do

[NoBozo]

I never touch the magazines in a Doctors office. ..Just Sayin.. NB

[Bigstan]

Originally Posted by rander7823

When I was a kid we used to leave pizza out all night and eat it first thing for breakfast...my wife won't even let it cool before it is wrapped in tinfoil and in the fridg.
Raw hotdogs used to be a favorite also.

That's called college pizza - wake up and grab a slice out of the box on the floor and then go to class. I did that times 500 or so. No harm done......

[tis]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

I never touch the magazines in a Doctors office. ..Just Sayin.. NB

You know, I don't either. I just can't bring myself to do it as I can't imagine what is on them------

[robmac]

I am surprised nobody has said MONEY,it goes through thousands of hands. If you don't use fast pass or just have to pay a toll with cash most toll takers now wear gloves,I noticed the same at a supermarket yesterday.There's no hiding from it germs are every where and for most people create no harm.

[hilltopper]

Originally Posted by robmac

I am surprised nobody has said MONEY,it goes through thousands of hands.

See post #22...

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

I never touch the magazines in a Doctors office. ..Just Sayin.. NB

I like to pass the time away by reading the magazines at the Dr.’s office. What really turns me off is when people lick their finger to turn the pages.
Does anyone lick their finger before turning pages of magazines or paperwork that you are reading? ....Just askin..

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I like to pass the time away by reading the magazines at the Dr.’s office. What really turns me off is when people lick their finger to turn the pages.
Does anyone lick their finger before turning pages of magazines or paperwork that you are reading? ....Just askin..

I don't but definitely have seen it! I read at the doctor's office but am careful to not touch my face until I douse my self with sanitizer.

[sa meredith]

This just gets better and better....Touch a magazine in a doctor's office???!!!! OH, THE HORROR OF IT ALL!!!! WHO WOULD EVER DO SUCH A THING? IIIICCCKKKK!
Please....it's a magazine. Do you think the patients in there before you were oozing puss and blood? What's on that magazine is no where near as bad...nowhere near...as what is on the money in your pocket. Or maybe you only use a plastic wrapped debit card, and only handle that with gloves on?
Honestly...go thru this whole thread...
Don't touch menus
Don't use salt shakers
Pull your sleeve down over your hand to grab a handle in a public place
Don't touch magazines in waiting room
Someone, please, grab me a Big Mac and light me a cigarette...while I'm waiting, I'm going to use the public restroom, and take this magazine with me.

[RailroadJoe]

Don't lift the toilet seat while in there!

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Someone, please, grab me a Big Mac and light me a cigarette...while I'm waiting, I'm going to use the public restroom, and take this magazine with me.

No wonder our Health Insurance premiums are so High.

[Waterbaby]

Originally Posted by Rusty

No wonder our Health Insurance premiums are so High.

And the insurance police are reading this thread and scheming to make the premiums even higher ..................