Cecille's Creativity

What's a backyard barbecue without chips and salsa? Potentially a lot healthier. A study at Clemson University in South Carolina found that people who double-dip this Mexican classic contaminate the bowl with up to 10,000 oral bacteria upon every plunge. Salsa was particularly germy due to its runny consistency, which allows saliva-tainted chunks to slide off half-eaten chips and back into the communal supply.

Hit the dip early and spoon an individual serving onto your plate to avoid any unwanted "secret ingredients." Late to the party? Stick with the guacamole, hummus or spinach - microbial levels tend to be much lower in these thicker dips.