Risky or Not?

A short podcast about everyday risks from germs

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A smiling man with curly hair, a beard, and glasses wears an orange turtleneck sweater. He holds a clear container filled with candied lemon peels. The background is a soft beige, giving the image a warm, cozy feel. The man appears cheerful and relaxed.

774. Room Temperature Candied Lemon Peels

May 21, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from storing candied lemon peels at room temperature.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

  • Candied Lemon Peel Recipe
  • Water Activity (aw) in Foods | FDA
  • 400. Simple Syrup Stored at Room Temperature — Risky or Not?
  • Suntree Natural Foods Marketplace | Port Hope’s go-to for food that is local, health-conscious and delicious
  • Wine Spirits Beer | LCBO
May 21, 2025 /Don Schaffner
Water activity, Lemon, pH, Sugar

324. Lemon Wedge in Your Drink

July 06, 2022 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of consuming a beverage with a lemon wedge.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

  • Josh Trebach, MD on Twitter: "do u love getting a refreshing lemon slice in ur drink when ur out at a restaurant? 🍋🥤 nearly 70% of restaurant lemon slices in one study were found to produce microbial growth (with 25 different microbial species being identified)" / Twitter
  • Josh Trebach, MD on Twitter: "possible culprits include contamination with fecal matter, raw meat, and in the case of yeast, oral/fecal/vaginal secretions contaminating fingertips of employees enjoy ur lemons!! ~follow me for more tips on how to ruin things people love~ https://t.co/4px8XANbhB" / Twitter
  • Don Schaffner 🦠 on Twitter: "PhD Food microbiologist here. Anyone want advice on medical toxicology or fixing stuff in the ER?" / Twitter
  • Bacteria on Lemon Slices - Dirty Lemon Wedges at Restaurants
  • Microbial Flora on Restaurant Beverage Lemon Slices
July 06, 2022 /Don Schaffner
Lemon, Citrus, Cross-contamination

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