by Angela <:3---}~~~~ M.
Member since:
August 8, 2006

What I seen today at the store, and something people need to think about....

April 30, 2009 04:24 PM EDT (Updated: April 30, 2009 09:47 PM EDT)
views: 160 | comments: 48

I was crusing the produce isle at the local Krogers today loading up on green veggies and fruit.   I noticed they had had displays up where you can help yourself to a sample. Apple slices and strawberries were the offerings today.  And for a split second I though well I wonder if the strawberries are good this time. They were quite horrible last week. And as I started to reach for a sample I seen a grown man reach in with out getting a tooth pick and grab some apple slices.

OMG that is sick.  I did not try a sample and I never will again. A few minutes later while I was picking out a box of strawberries and another guy gets a toothpick gets one eats it and then gets another one with the same toothpick. To me that is sick!

Now my question is this with this swine flu (H1N1) going around why in the world are samples not being put out in those little cups like they use to be, to stop the spread of germs.  why are people reaching in the toothpick box with  dirty hands touching all the toothpicks in the box and getting one.  Then when you get one you get their germs and add your own to the mix in the toothpick box GAG!

So please think before you grab that sample, is that bite really worth taking the chance of catching something.

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Comments: 48

☃ Aunt Shanny Apr 30, 2009, 4:25pm EDT
Sometimes I think people worry too much.
Angela <:3---}~~~~ M. Apr 30, 2009, 4:28pm EDT
Im not really worried about the flu for the most part but I know I sure as heck dont like the idea of eating after someone who may have scratched their butt right before they shoved their hand into the produce samples LOL
Randall C. Apr 30, 2009, 4:28pm EDT
yeah, I don't know Angela. Some people just don't give a crap...
Cecilia Lyne Apr 30, 2009, 4:29pm EDT
yuck ~
Phyllis R. Apr 30, 2009, 4:31pm EDT
Im not really worried about the flu for the most part but I know I sure as heck dont like the idea of eating after someone who may have scratched their butt right before they shoved their hand into the produce samples

I totally agree with you Angela!!!!!


Last Monday I watched a lady leave a restroom stall without washing her hands........Ugh!!
☃ Aunt Shanny Apr 30, 2009, 4:32pm EDT
I know, and most people don't wash after going to the bathroom.

But if people keep obsessing about germs and such, no one will ever leave their homes!
Alta B. Apr 30, 2009, 4:40pm EDT
There is no excuse for people to be nasty!
Melanie B. Apr 30, 2009, 4:43pm EDT
It is little things like common sense that we all need to use. I don't take samples unless they're in little cups. To use the same toothpick, ewww yuck.
Danielle P. Apr 30, 2009, 4:45pm EDT
It is gross going into public restrooms and seeing how many people leave without washing their hands. My daughter has hand sanitizer she whips out and we use.
Vern R. Apr 30, 2009, 4:46pm EDT
Well, that explains why you were cursing at the produce aisle. I think I'll leave the samples alone from now on, just like I did in the past.
DesertDarlene L. Apr 30, 2009, 4:51pm EDT
I think if the guy was using the same toothpick only to get his own piece of fruit and not touching any of the others, it wouldn't bother me. I don't like it when they have samples out unattended.

What bothers me is that I often shop the bulk bins in my store and they do a very good job at keeping them clean and stuff. But, there are some people, most of whom don't look like they've skipped any meals, who grab whole handfuls out of those things. They eat a lot more than I would even buy for myself. I don't seen anything wrong with sampling a little bit to see if you like it, but don't stick your hands in there! And, only take a little to see what it tastes like. The store is not providing a free lunch and I am paying for it in higher prices.
Pamela O. Apr 30, 2009, 4:52pm EDT
I dunno but its disgusting. Glad you skipped the sample!
Barb (Gather Site Ferret) Carlson Apr 30, 2009, 4:52pm EDT
Yeah, I was wondering why you were cursing at it, too. Grin. My daughter would never in a million years take a sample sitting out in public. She's much more germaphobic than I am. She won't eat at a buffet unless she knows the people, either! Wow. Of course, this is the same child I had a hard time keeping out of the dog food ...
Janet "Jax" B. Apr 30, 2009, 4:53pm EDT
We're careful about what samples we try....
Jennifer N. Apr 30, 2009, 4:55pm EDT
Angela, good point and something we rarely think about. The little cups are the most sanitary way of doing it.
Melissa R Apr 30, 2009, 4:56pm EDT
that is why I don't ever try samples, and rarely buy food from an open salad bar. Too many people sneeze without covering or do what you mentioned!
Shad Alexander Apr 30, 2009, 4:56pm EDT
Believe it or not it helps to build an immune system by coming into contact with bacteria. But that does not mean we should be acting like the morons in the store.
Great post Angela
Ellen B. Apr 30, 2009, 5:02pm EDT
I wouldn't be so worried about catching something.... but not using the same toothpick once it has been in your mouth to get another sample.... or not using your bare hands just seems like common sense.
Vivian P. Apr 30, 2009, 5:06pm EDT
a lot of people don't even think about spreading germs, that's why so many get the flu of common cold.
Angelina C. Apr 30, 2009, 5:06pm EDT
Thankfully we have these amazing things called immune systems. That reminds me of a customer who wouldn't use my pen because "you don't know how many nasty hands have touched it" even though I was giving her cash back for her return. Money is one of the dirtiest things around.
Also, be careful with those hand sanitizers, if they have something like triclosan in them, or anything other than alcohol, you're actually helping make our germ problem worse. Those products increase the number of germs that are resistant to things like triclosan, so soon we won't have anything to get rid of them with. That's how we wound up with MRSA and whatnot. Alcohol is safe because it just evaporates, but those other ones aren't necessary for just your hands. They were initially only found in hospitals and used by medical professionals. Please think about that next time you make your antibacterial selections.
kathleen w. Apr 30, 2009, 5:12pm EDT
hmmm ever think about bar soap at the bathroom sink and people washing their germs right back on it? door knobs in the bathroom? refill cups at the fountain and where that cup hs been....list could go on!
Sassy Cat Apr 30, 2009, 5:25pm EDT
I used to take samples in stores. They'd have coffee cakes cut up in the bakery on a plate. Then I would wonder who else took a piece and if they touched the other pieces, leaving germs behind. I don't take samples anymore and try not to buy stuff from bulk bins. And only fruit that I can either peel or wash the heck off.

I have hand sanitizer in the car and use it every time I leave a store. Who knows what germs are on the door handles, the shopping cart handles, the change the cashier hands you. I've used hand sanitizer consistently like that for at least 5 years and it has really cut down on the number of times I've gotten the flu or colds.
Sensational Sadie Sexy Senior Sitizen Apr 30, 2009, 5:29pm EDT
Today I went to the store to pick up a prescription and get several grocery items. I took one of the wet wipes and thourghly wiped the handle of the cart. A week or so ago I wouldn't have thought about doing this. Perhaps it is good that we are all becoming more aware of these things.
Shad Alexander Apr 30, 2009, 5:34pm EDT
We definetly use way too many antibiotoics and sanitizers. We are creating immune bacteria. Good points Angelina C. My Microbiology professor doesn't have any of these items in his house. Probably a good idea. Drs. way over do the antibiotics.
Kat W. Apr 30, 2009, 5:38pm EDT
I'm in agreement Angela
Melanie S. Apr 30, 2009, 5:45pm EDT
Well, while the idea of people using their hands does not appeal at all to me, unless you're wearing gloves, anywhere you go you are being constantly exposed to germs.

I mean... Think about this one:
What about public restrooms. Do you have any idea how many people do not wash their hands. You leave a store, grab the door handle, and how many people's unwashed hands have been on that.

More on public restrooms... How many people carry hand sanitizer around with them? You use the restroom, then use your bare hand on the restroom door lock. How many people before you have touched that door lock? I doubt that there are many people with sanitizer on them, that uses it immediately after flushing the toilet and before touching the door locks.

The point I'm trying to make, is while it is inconsiderate and I personally don't touch any store samples (unless prepared with gloves, and I see this, and individual containers) just because I find it gross... germs are everywhere, everywhere!! Unless you become manic about it, you're not going to avoid them.

Just rememeber to use preventative methods... like not touching your face while out in public.
Mrslisae Photography E. Apr 30, 2009, 5:48pm EDT
Having a baby born with underdeveloped lungs turned me into a cautious parent..I kept wet wipes and sanitizer with me always...and if there is something going around, I do wipe buggy handles and keep my own doors knobs and switches wiped clean...As for samples, I think if they're going to do that, each piece should have a tooth pick in it already to avoid people digging in a tooth pick box or feeling compelled to use a used toothpick and the fruit would have to be really spread out for me to go near it
Howard b. Apr 30, 2009, 5:54pm EDT
I worked in a large chain food store. There a hispanic was opening the taco sauce jars and getting a sample of each. then placing them back on the shelf. This is just one thing you have to watch out for. You have no idea what people can do. This flu is making a lot of people think. Good article.
Marianne R. Apr 30, 2009, 6:09pm EDT
We have our first case of Swine Flu in the state (La Grange, Ga). Woman isn't even from here. She went to Cancun, went home to KY and then came here to visit relatives. Now she's hospitalized here.
Gul Dixon Apr 30, 2009, 6:14pm EDT
This is the reason why it is spreading so rapidly. People DO NOT think. At least while we have this Pandemic threat, all these sample stuff should be stopped. I also am in favor of the schools to be closed.
Sassy Cat Apr 30, 2009, 6:28pm EDT
It's already in Chicago, Milwaukee and central Wisconsin
Janet H. Apr 30, 2009, 6:37pm EDT
One day we were eating in a restaurant and I happened to see a toddler at another table with his parents. The little guy picked up the salt and pepper shakers and licked off the tops and then put them back in their place. When his parents left the restaurant, they didn't tell the waitress that the salt and pepper shakers needed to be cleaned and refilled, but I did.
Tina Coruth Apr 30, 2009, 6:57pm EDT
I realize we are exposed to germs in many ways, but I don't think it is a good idea to go out of our way to get exposed. It makes sense to be extra cautious when we know there is an extra hazzard such as the swine flu/h1n1. Sharing samples in the set up in that grocery store is something I wouldn't do. It's not worth it and I will be very surprised if stores continue this practice as the virus spreads. I agree with you, Angela.
~♥~ Kim ~♥~ Apr 30, 2009, 7:20pm EDT
I don't do samples. I don't believe in being all germ a phobic...but a little bit of caution goes a long way in preventing sicknesses.
phil w. Apr 30, 2009, 7:28pm EDT
Even I, the Great Sampler ,have got to admit that it is no longer safe to taste these freebies!!!
Larry H. Apr 30, 2009, 8:20pm EDT
thanks for sharing..
Sheri D. Apr 30, 2009, 8:35pm EDT
I don't sample and I no longer do resturants that don't bring you the food, I won't eat off of a salad bar or anything like that. I love kids but some people do not watch their kids and they pick up things put them back...uck.
Heather W. Apr 30, 2009, 11:15pm EDT
Because our boss is cheap and won't order the cups more than likely. They wouldn't order the fuel center any paper funnels for oil for two months
debra g. May 1, 2009, 12:47am EDT
Its a blessing I was not there I would have been ugly with a comment to that person.I have a mail person that weras gloves so he will not touch the mail and with all that is going on I don't blame him.Some people have no manners.
Have a great gather day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for posting to sparealine.gather.com
~Jamie W. May 1, 2009, 3:52am EDT
I'm picky about samples like that too, and buffets. oh goodness you will never catch me eating at a buffet.
Sophie S. May 1, 2009, 5:59am EDT
I would not grab a sample if it was out anyway. Were you pushing a cart? There were probably tons of germs on there as well. I spent a good portion of my life bent over a microscope so I think I have seen it all.
*LORA* M. May 1, 2009, 1:42pm EDT
gross
JUDY M. May 3, 2009, 10:17am EDT
thanks so much for sharing
Nurse Nancy S. May 10, 2009, 9:39pm EDT
I agree with Debra G. I would have said something to the man who used his hands. I also would have spoken to the Produce manager and possibly the store manager. I do not keep quiet when I see or hear something that gripes me.
JoAnn C. May 10, 2009, 9:45pm EDT
that would have grossed me out. A local restaurant has popcorn machine in the bar. I watched a guy (who works there) reach in an grab a handful of popcorn instead of using the scoop that was right there!
Fran S. May 23, 2009, 6:19pm EDT

i never take samples at the stores, for those very reasons! I'm no germophobe, but I do have some standards!!

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