Sadly, I have been hit by one hell of a case of food poisoning that has me questioning EVERYTHING in my fridge.  As a matter of fact, I’m doing a full purge of everything this week and starting anew because, quite simply, I never want to have to go through that mess again.

I have been surviving on all things water, ginger ale and apple juice.  One comforting thing, I do know what the culprit was that did make me sick and I’m happy to report it was NOTHING that I cooked.  I often get prepared soups from Genuardis for those nights when I don’t have an ounce of extra energy to whip up something on the stove.  Genuardis prepared chili was a mainstay in my fridge.  Top the chili with a grating of cheddar and a dab of sour cream or crème fraiche and serve with some toasted bread and there you have it – better than takeout.

So, on St. Patrick’s day, while my friends were out and about, I was home violently ill, praying for whatever it was to stop!  Not only did I have the usual normal gross symptoms of food poisoning, but add to that a fever of 102, chills, dizziness, etc.  I haven’t felt that sick in a long time.  You know things are bad when the dog and the cat are hovering around you to "cuddle" like they know you are sick.  Now while I’m nowhere near 100% feeling better, I’ve found myself hesitant about cooking as well.  What can I cook that won’t react badly I wonder.  Things just don’t taste the same and being told I can not have coffee, tea or caffeine for a few days has me screaming internally.  You know how I hate to be separated from my coffee.  It’s been a tough week in the Lys household.

However, I wanted to point out that you have to be careful where you buy your food from.  I have had quite a few incidents lately with Genuardis in Plymouth Meeting, PA where I’ve brought their meat home and it’s not fresh, has a rancid smell, etc.  You can even smell it in the store by the meat counter – just that “off” smell that has you going “What The ???”  I am extremely concerned about this as I used to love shopping there but if that is what I have to expect from them, well then I guess I will be taking my business to Whole Paychex, the farmers’ markets and other spots. 

Another thing that concerns me is that the FDA has released yet another food recall list and I’m starting to question what is going on.  There is supposed to be some system of checks and balances and I’m noticing that either the workers are quite possibly getting lazy and not paying attention or there are too many layoffs going on whereby there isn’t enough staff to ensure there ARE no problems.  I am being a bit more proactive on reading the recall lists, ingredient lists and noting where things are originated from.  And, of course, using my LOTUS system on any fruits & veggies.  (If I ever meet the person that invented that, he’s getting a big hug!  That machine is a lifesaver (and well worth the cost!)

One thing is a definite – I’m NEVER buying prepared chili ever again nor am I shopping at Genuardis!

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