I flashed back to two memories recently: Dr. Greger noting that the CDC's recommendations for a safe kitchen resemble a "biohazard lab's" rules and regs, and the issue of a vegan composting.
Let me explain: in the first place, I interviewed Dr. Greger last year and he noted that, if you are eating meat and dairy, there are many guidelines issued by the CDC (and also the FDA) to keep you from cross-contaminating, getting food-borne illnessess, and eating bad stuff. I just LOVE the concept: as a vegan, my kitchen isn't a "biohazard lab." Sure, I clean my cutting boards, the counter, etc., but I don't have to worry about anything other than proper cleaning of my produce. No meat juices; no moldy or disease-ridden dairy. The 24 hr. flu (people, it ain't flu... it's food poisoning) won't happen here.
Furthermore, I remembered when power went out a few years ago for three days in Maryland, neighbors were freaking and couldn't understand why I wasn't worried about the food in the 'frig. I had to point out, smiling: no meat, no dairy, no big deal.
Recently, a carnivorous friend was commenting on my "compost bucket" outside the back door of the kitchen. His wife has coached him on what he can and cannot put into the "passive compost pile" they have. In mid-conversation he paused, and then said, obviously surprised, something to the effect of, "Hey! everything you eat can go into the compost pile."
Yup... and none of it will ever be a serious biohazard, either. A vegetarian couldn't say that. Anyway, here are some fun links:
The FDA's "Can Your Kitchen Pass the Food Safety Test?"
FDA Advice for "Mother's To Be."
FDA Advice on "Preggy Mom's Food Safety for Meat, Poultry, and Seafood"
Go Vegan! The ultimate composting non-biohazardous environmentally sustainable, safe, healthy, and animal-friendly diet...
