On Tue 06 Sep 2005 02:43:20p, Goomba38 wrote in rec.food.cooking:

> ~patches~ wrote:
>
>>> I stopped using wooden utensils to cook because I felt that the soap
>>> couldn't be rinsed off before it soaked into the wood.
>>> Today I was wondering about this same concept when I questioned using
>>> bamboo steamers and how they should be cleaned - with soap, possibly?.
>>> Repeating myself, but I've read not to wash vegetables with soap
because
>>> if they're not rinsed enough, it can be harmful, cause a lot of
stomach
>>> problems. I'm assuming the same goes with leaving soap on utensils.
>>> Just a thought,
>>> Dee Dee
>>>
>> I'm with you on this one. I gave up all my wood in favour of heavy duty
>> Paderno utensils made of nylon? and silicon utensils. I have a few
>> stainless steel pieces but no more wood. DH actually raised the concern
>> over sterility more as a joke I think but it got me wondering.
>
> I think you over exaggerate any potential problem with wooden utensils.
> Have you ever heard of anyone being sickened by using them? Did you know
> that wooden cutting boards have been found to harbor less bacteria than
> plastic? Don't you wash in hot water?
> I just have to wonder where common sense went sometimes when people
> worry about problems their grandmothers wouldn't bat an eye over? <shrug>
> Goomba
>

And I'm with you on this one, Goomba. People have become absolutely phobic
about sanitation. I consider myself a very careful and clean cook and
housekeeper, but I draw the line at feeling the need to wash everything
down with bleach, alcohol, and peroxide. A hot soapy wash, rinse, and air
drying will eliminate virtually any problem, AFAIC. In the past 40 years,
no one I know of has ever become ill from my cooking.

--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*
____________________________________________

My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four,
unless there are three other people.