Let’s face it, at some point in the next four weeks, the vast majority of us will be attending a holiday event with family, friends, and/or both. Invariably, there will be snacks and hors d’oeuvres gracing every kitchen island, countertop and living room coffee table. The selection will range from summer sausage, crackers, and cheese to veggies and dip. All of which should be generally safe for the first four hours. And, following the expiration of those first four hours, when the cheese starts to curl, the increasing levels of beer and wine in your system should generally keep you safe.

But, I will share a word of caution. Please beware of the bowl of nuts, which is sometimes garnished with M&Ms. While designed by nature to appear completely safe (like … “what could be hazardous about roasted nuts and processed chocolate”), this snack carries an elevated level of risk for the young, the strong, and the old. Tempting as it may be, in a household where a dozen or more guests are dipping their fingers into the delectable treat, it could quickly turn the bowl of nuts into a bowl of “sucks.”

Indeed, studies show that, in the U.S., only about 70% of people wash their hands after using the restroom. That means, if you have a dozen guests accounting for 24 human hands (and 240 fingers), only about 17 of those hands (or, 170 fingers) are getting washed. And, even a smaller percentage of those who purport to wash their hands after doing their duty, actually use soap or scrub for the recommended amount of time. Frankly, who would, when there is an intense family conversation, family game (check out www.jackboxgames.com), or a high-stakes NFL football game going on in the background? Hmmmm?

Taking an extra second to think about what you are grabbing and putting into your mouth may be advisable … or, perhaps you could aggressively dive into the bowl only the minute it hits the table. Alternatively, you could bring a box of latex gloves to the party, along with a bottle of sanitizer to place, strategically, right next to the dangerous bowl of nuts. While grandma may not appreciate it, you may be saving her life.

So, is a bowl of nuts advisable? Yes, when the right precautions are followed. Take a deep breath, conduct a hazard analysis, and be sure to develop and implement appropriate controls for the hazards you are about to face. This holiday season, we need to B. cereus. Nobody wants get sick from the guests or staph, and nobody wants Sam & Ella at their holiday party.

Wishing you all the best this holiday season, and all of us at Food Industry Counsel hope you have a safe and warm December.

Don't let a bunch of nuts ruin your holiday

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