What a germ of an idea

Sirjee For many people who espy germs lurking behind everything, in the manner portrayed in classic toilet cleaner advertisements, the light has gone out of birthday parties — or at least birthday cakes. News that a killjoy professor has discovered that blowing out candles infests the surface of cakes with large amounts of bacteria — 1,400 times above normal in some cases — will probably impact that crucial component of the confectionery business.

Or at the very least, there may be a fall in birthday candle sales as germaphobes figure out how to save the tradition while combating this newly discovered danger. As it is the alarm has been sounded on double dipping chips and crackers, which apparently cause bacteria levels to rise by as much as 1000% if it’s a salsa, although it is less in cheesy or chocolaty dips.

It does seem as if parties are veritable carnival grounds for free-wheeling germs. But it must be remembered that all bacteria — and their transfers —are not harmful otherwise certain other common human practices would have caused considerable harm.

However, the reported move by the Indian Railways to declare a wrap on the distribution of blankets on trains is a good move to improve hygiene. Unfortunately, the bacteria levels in their upholstery, curtains (where applicable) and food trays would make up for any microbial shortfall.