The Associated Press posted an article early this morning entitled, “Buffet worker stomps garlic with boots.” Visions of dog poop and day-old mud imbedded in the fine crevices of the soles of these boots flooded my mind and brought terror to my heart. Would someone actually do this? Could a fellow eater like myself be so distracted from the bacterial ramifications of using one’s shoes as a culinary instrument?
I clicked on the headline and waited for the story to appear.  I read in horror as each word confirmed my deepest fears: the entire story was absolutely true.
Apparently the worker at a Great China Buffet restaurant was using a very innovative technique to press garlic cloves: stomping them with his boots in a back alley.  A passerby had noted him there with a horror similar to my own and snapped a photo.
The Rockland County Health Department was notified and quickly came for an inspection. The worker was fired for his act, and the restaurant will be re-inspected soon.
I wish I could rest easy now, but I’m afraid there may be more out there just like him: full of ignorance and disregard for the safety of our food.
Don’t eat poop, people: Wash your hands. And don’t stomp the garlic.