This Is Why I Cannot Eat...
By Raine38
@Raine38 (12257)
United States
August 30, 2023 8:16pm CST
...at just anyone's home. This is not a mean or entitled post. But I saw a friend shared a picture on Facebook about a couple in their group. Apparently, they are having a potluck and the husband shared a picture of his wife preparing the food...with their 2 cats practically walking across the food being prepared!
Don't get me wrong - we used to have pets, and I have nothing against cats, but I have allergies to fur and dander. I can survive if it's not too much, but when in an enclosed space and with abundance of it, I cannot breathe and will be sick for days.
Also, there are lots of popular mini vlogs on Facebook about small food businesses right at their kitchens. Some have their long hair unbound while cooking, others are preparing the food with their bare hands (I mean, they could have washed their hands but we don't know that for sure), and sometimes the video can capture that they are preparing food while carrying their toddlers and the toddler has a runny nose and keeps swiping it.
I don't mean to sound fragile, but I am "fortunate" enough that I only have allergies, what if their customers have other health issues? Well, I guess it all boils down to choices. What's not good for me, may be good enough for someone else and vice versa.
11 people like this
11 responses
@MarieCoyle (29478)
•
31 Aug
I do not really want to eat in a home where the cats sit on the counters, and they aren't cleaned because that's what cats are allowed to do, I guess. But..I always think, hey, they use the litter box, and that means poop germs, they step in it, and then they walk on the counter where you put your food?? Ah, that's a big no from me, it just is.
4 people like this
@Raine38 (12257)
• United States
31 Aug
Yikes, you're absolutely right. I did not even think of that. 
Moral of the story: nothing beats food that you prepared yourself. Or at the very least, know the hands that did. I imagine that is not exactly the case in restaurants, but at least they have certain codes and laws to follow.
Moral of the story: nothing beats food that you prepared yourself. Or at the very least, know the hands that did. I imagine that is not exactly the case in restaurants, but at least they have certain codes and laws to follow.3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (29478)
•
31 Aug
@Raine38
Our health department is very good and strict. They post the restaurants scores online and on a notice by their door! So everyone can read it. If they don't pass inspections, they get shut down until they fix the problem and get re-inspected. Which is how it should be.
3 people like this
@Raine38 (12257)
• United States
31 Aug
@MarieCoyle Yes, I agree. Lots of health risks can be transmitted through food and drinks. I imagine the scores should also help the business and can be used as a marketing tool.
3 people like this
@snowy22315 (171216)
• United States
31 Aug
They should know better My dad was freaking out last Thanksgiving that sis's cats walked across the table It was before we were eating, but still.
3 people like this
@Raine38 (12257)
• United States
31 Aug
I understand that some people don't see fur babies as pets, they treat them as if they are their kids and babies, and I have no issue with that. People react to pets being in the proximity of their food differently, no matter how clean and well-groomed the pets may be. Sometimes more than the physical effect, it's also psychological. I once worked with a CNA who is scared of cats which stemmed from a childhood trauma. Lots of people will side-eye her after seeing how she reacts when a cat approaches her.
2 people like this
cat lacks manners 
@allknowing (130292)
• India
31 Aug
It is not always that we get to see how food is cooked in homes of friends and relatives. So what you cannot see is not there (lol)
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130292)
• India
31 Aug
@Raine38 There are times we have to eat out and what better way than not to peep in kitchens be it friends, family or restaurants (lol)
1 person likes this
@Raine38 (12257)
• United States
31 Aug
@allknowing Probably not a bad idea! Do the research! 
1 person likes this
@hillhjill (23664)
• United States
31 Aug
I can understand that, I have always had animals but they were trained to stay off my counter space and my dog as the time was trained to stay out of the kitchen if I was cooking.
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (40635)
• United States
23 Sep
Years ago I had a friend who made chicken salad and put all kinds of chicken parts in it. She also put black spots and strings from bananas into her banana pudding. Those are two things I don't eat unless I've made them myself.
I love birds and cats, but I don't want to eat where they've been walking.
@cacay1 (83237)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
31 Aug
Even if I don't have allergies I will never eat the food with a cat crossing or walking on foods, It sounds yucky, unethical.. Why is their pet cat not trained? My pet cat is well trained. And you have the right not to eat because of your allergies. They should have some good ethics.
1 person likes this
@freelancermariagrace (27240)
• Philippines
31 Aug
I love cats and dogs, but I do not let them go near the counter where I usually prepare the food.
1 person likes this
@Butterfingers (66585)
• India
31 Aug
Oh my god, I cannot eat food cooked like that 
1 person likes this
