My tip is more of a bit of advice. Since I am considering approaching certain grocery chain owners about my concerns, I would love feedback on this post.
I just read a post titled 'Always Remember Your Own Pen'. It mentioned that so many germs were found on pens in public places. It seems that most pathogens, cold and flu virus, etc. remain viable outside their preferred environs for longer than previously thought. With that in mind, read on.
In past years, grocery stores prepackaged grapes and sealed the packages. Inevitably, someone would open one package and the customers would sample the grapes before purchasing.
Now, at least at my neighborhood store, all of the packages are left unsealed. Anyone can sample the grapes from any package, and they do. In other words, any package you choose to buy has more than likely had someone's nasty, grubby hands in it.
As with apples and other fruits, you can wash the grapes when you get home. My concern is for the second, third, fourth and fifth customer to eat sample grapes from a bag. The fifth person is exposing themselves to the germs of four other people by sampling but not washing the grapes handled by them.
I think this practice is potentially dangerous and laws should be enacted against it. Transfer of microbes in this manner might cause someone a brief and minor illness. But, it would not be impossible to contract a deadly virus, as well, one that the carrier might not yet know he/she has.
What do you other members think of this practice?
Russell Greenfield, M.D. has some handy tips to keep yourself cold and fly free this winter. Be sure to watch the related videos for more information about colds and the flu.
