by Jotapay » Thu 04 Jun 2009, 15:36:26
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('pstarr', 'I') shared a kitchen with two employees of the local health department. I had no idea (few people do) how many 'flus', 'stomach viruses', etc. are caused by food borne illnesses. These are minor illness (that is relative. you still might want to kill yourself as you retch your guts out) that are difficult or impossible to trace or even identify. It became very clear to me that 'potlucks' should be avoided. I have a very circumspect attitude toward food handling now.
I chose to stop worrying about germs a long time ago. I'm healthy as a horse and it will take a super-germ to get me. I'm very clean around my house, but it's not because I'm a germophobe. If food looks ok and smells alright, I'll take a bite and try it. Having worked in several restaurants, I can tell you none of them are perfect. The health department's job is more of an art than a science, as knowing where to draw the line is never 100% clear.
Having traveled all over Europe, the USA, North Africa and completely up and down Central America, I've eaten some interesting things. I've eaten a lot of street food at some dodgy places. I've only gotten sick once, and it was a real doozy. I had dysentery for 9 days; I couldn't even keep water inside me. Will that keep me from eating at street vendors and rustic eateries? No.
Shoot, in North Africa, you use your left hand to wipe and clean your ass (no TP) while squatting over the open-plumbing hole in the ground. You used your right hand to eat with (no forks or spoons, etc.). That is how millions of people live their everyday lives there. I did it. I lived. The food was great.