The REAL Hazards of Double Dipping

Double Dipping?... Not Even Once

Listen, chips and dip is a wonderful combination. Seriously though, what's a plain chip without any savory salsa or luscious guacamole? Well of course, like with all things we love, science had to swoop in and ruin it to protect our health. It turns out that sharing dip at parties is not only unsanitary, but it also opens you up to the possibility of catching an STD.

It used to be that double dipping was just considered gross, but now we have proof that you can make someone sick by doing it. On "Food Unwrapped," a television show that airs on Britain's Channel 4, Microbiologists did a test on sour cream, hummus and the greek taramasalata, some of the most popular party dips. What they found was that even a speck of saliva holds thousands of different bacteria and it rests right into the dip. Also, depending on the dip, it can multiply 100 times and leave you exposed to diseases that can get you sick. This can include norovirus and even herpes. That might actually be the worst possible way to catch herpes.

If you're trying to prevent the spread of germs and possibly even herpes at your party, then there are definitely things you can do. For example, next time you have your signature dip make sure to avoid leaving the dip out for long periods of time. Bacteria are known to thrive and survive in warmer temperatures. Maybe try making multiple small batches that you can store in the refrigerator, and every time the bowl is done, bring out a new one.

We're still trying to figure out what a party looks like without dip. Although the truth hurts, it's nice to know that it can be unhealthy. At least now we can look at the bright side and look for those solutions to keep the dip alive.