Q: Our family is going to visit the zoo this summer. Do we need to be concerned about touching the animals?

A: Animals at the zoo or county fairs can carry infectious diseases that cause illness or even death. If hands are not washed after handling animals, bacteria can transfer to food and into the body. Children tend to put their hands in their mouths more than adults, so it is especially important to wash their hands. There have been several outbreaks of illness after handling animals and then consuming food. In 2000, two incidences occurred in Pennsylvania and Washington causing illness due to E.coli infections. Fifty-six children became ill and 19 were hospitalized, all due to direct farm animal contact. Another incident occurred in 2002 at an Oregon county fair. After visiting the sheep and goat exhibits, 82 people became ill. And just this year, more than 20 people became ill after handling animals in Florida petting zoos.

Here are some tips to reduce the chance of illness:

¢ The best defense is washing hands with soap and hot water as soon as possible.

¢ Do not eat or drink until hands are clean.

¢ Do not consume food or beverages in the animal areas.

¢ Children who climb or touch gates or stall dividers also should wash their hands.

¢ Do not kiss the animals.

¢ Do not feed the animals.

¢ Concerns about health should not keep people from enjoying being around animals. Simply taking precautions such as thorough hand washing can make the difference between an enjoyable memory and an unfortunate incident.

Q: Is it true that freezing water bottles releases dioxin into the water?

A: Dioxin is a manmade toxic chemical that is in the environment. It can cause chloracne (a severe skin disease), liver damage, cancer, and reproductive and developmental problems. Dioxin forms during combustion such as wild fires, volcanic eruptions and trash burning. Once dioxin particles are in the air, they fall back to earth and are absorbed into the environment. Fish and animals absorb dioxin in their fat.

Now, to answer your question, freezing water bottles has no effect on releasing chemicals into the water. Freezing stops the release of chemicals. It has not been proven whether dioxin is contained in plastic.

Water quality should be a bigger concern. Plastic bottles filled with water or juice and purchased from the store are designed for one-time use, not for extended wear and tear. The ridges in the plastic are difficult to clean, which can lead to contamination.

Thick, plastic, empty bottles sold as beverage containers are a better choice for a reusable beverage bottle. They have straight sides and are made of a stronger plastic so they are more durable. It is important to clean the bottles frequently.

Here are some tips:

¢ Wash the bottle each day with soap and hot water. Drain and let dry overnight.

¢ If a washing sink is not handy, keep the bottle refrigerated to slow the growth of bacteria.

¢ Sanitize the bottle weekly with a bleach solution. Use 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach per quart of water. The water should be between 75 degrees and 120 degrees. Allow the bleach solution to be in the bottle for at least 10 seconds. Pour out and air dry.

Q: Is it safe to use a beer or soda can to prop up a chicken for grilling?

A: There is some concern about using beverage cans because of the ink on the label. According to one beer manufacturer, the ink is not considered food-grade; therefore, it may leach into the meat.

As an alternative, try using a tube cake pan without the removable bottom. Simply season the chicken, place the tail end-down on the tube, and add broth or other liquid into the pan. Place on the grill or in the oven. The pan catches the drippings, and the chicken cooks evenly.

Q: Where are pistachios grown? Are they healthy?

A: In this country, the most popular variety of pistachio nut is Kerman. California produces most of the 300 million pounds of pistachios each year. Yes, pistachios do pack a nutritional punch. The beneficial nutrients include fiber; vitamins B1, thiamin, and B6; magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. Pistachios also include small amounts of vitamins A, folate (B9) and E; calcium, iron, potassium, selenium and zinc, as well as lutein for eye health and betasitosterol, which may reduce cholesterol.