Frugal and Energy Efficient Living

to be the cause for the food poisoning... Leaving food out, failure to bring food to and hold at a high enough internal termperature, cross contamination and failure to cook thoroughly, etc., etc. Not to mention that one can sterilize dishes and utensils on a continuous basis, but all it takes is one pair of unwashed hands among household members (and some circulating Norovirus) to render that all meaningless. Studies have shown that the average American, even many health care professionals, does not wash hands regularly nor thoroughly, even after using the restroom.

I can assure you, after a decades long career in infectious disease research and prevention, I do appreciate your point, but one can hand wash dishes and do so in a safe manner, even adding a bleach water rinse during cold/flu season when necessary. Dishwashers afford far more protection, I grant you, but it is not absolutely necessary.