For salmonella sake, don’t touch lizards or cast members of Jersey Shore

Replace the term “amphibian and reptile” with “Jersey Shore cast member” and this advisory from the Jefferson Health Dept. in North Jersey is still accurate.

Contact with amphibians (such as frogs and toads) and reptiles (such as turtles, snakes, and lizards) can be a source of human salmonella infections.

• Small turtles, with a shell length of less than four inches, are a well-known source of human Salmonella infections, especially among young children. Because of this risk, the Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of these turtles since 1975.

• Amphibians and reptiles can carry salmonella germs and still appear healthy and clean.

• To prevent contamination, keep amphibians and reptiles out of kitchens and other areas where food and drink is prepared, served, or consumed.

• Don’t let children younger than 5 years of age, older adults, or people with weak immune systems handle or touch amphibians or reptiles.

• Don’t let reptiles and amphibians roam free in your home.

Jersey-style raw milk cheese BS

What is it with New Jersey?

I’ve got Sopranos on in the background, a Jersey colleague telling me how great The Clash are (they aren’t) and then I get an e-mail from another colleague who snapped this photo at a Jersey retailer.

As the correspondent noted, the sign states as a matter of fact rather than opinion that raw milk cheese tastes better, but alleges that pasteurization does not make cheese safer, kills bacteria that may not be there, and destroys vitamins A and D. Pasteurization was and continues to be a huge benefit to the public health. Vitamin destruction is minimal. Bacterial destruction is real and is necessary, even if some good ones go with the bad. … at the very least you should advise pregnant women, small children, old people, and the immunocompromised to avoid unpasteurized products.

Jersey is the train-wreck that is compelling to watch. Not Snooki.