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Don Schaffner

@bugcounter.bsky.social
549 followers 125 following 876 posts

Distinguished Professor, Extension Specialist and podcaster. Views my own. The best way to get your topic covered on our Risky or Not podcast is to use this link: bit.ly/RiskyorNot

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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Today's episode was a fun one www.riskyornot.co/ep... and not just because I got to quiz Ben on his Monty Python trivia knowledge.
riskyornot.co
988. Consuming or Preparing Vichy Squirrel — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from consuming or preparing Vichy squirrel. Dr. Don - risky ☣️ Professor Ben - risky ☣️
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Any day I can talk about Risk and prevalence and statistical sampling plans is a good day. www.riskyornot.co/ep... sorry this is posting late
riskyornot.co
986. Eating an Unopened Package of Live It Up® Super Greens That Was Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating Super Greens recalled for Salmonella contamination. Dr. Don - risky ☣️ Professor Ben - risky ☣️
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
This was another example where we try to arbitrate a potential spousal dispute. www.riskyornot.co/ep... file this one under #GrossButNotRisky
riskyornot.co
985. Eating Untouched Leftovers From the Previous Patron at a Restaurant — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating apparently untouched leftovers from a previous patron at an outdoor restaurant. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I got really behind on posting episodes from our latest batch of recordings. This one should've gone out yesterday www.riskyornot.co/ep.... The good news is the next batch of future episodes is all loaded and ready to go. I'll also be posting about previous episodes to catch up.
riskyornot.co
987. Ant Yogurt — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating ant yogurt. Dr. Don - risky ☣️ Professor Ben - risky ☣️
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
This might be another one to file under #GrossButNotRisky www.riskyornot.co/ep... also ChatGPT image generation did not match my prompt, but it's description of the image did match my prompt. Weird.
riskyornot.co
984. Sharing a Tissue With a Dog — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from using a tissue used for a dog (but not for a big snot glob). Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
So what?
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Yes
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Reposted by Don Schaffner
Julie Lockwood @lockwoodlab.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Really lovely article about the return of New England rivers.
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
In today's episode Ben and I talk about two of our favorite things: fancy coffee and food poisoning
riskyornot.co
983. Reheating Milk From Nespresso Aeroccino Left in the Refrigerator for a Few Days — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from reheating milk from Nespresso Aeroccino left in the refrigerator for a few days. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This was a fun one, thanks to Casey for the idea, and apologies to all three of the guys for the very silly image. The Rutgers "R" pennant in the background made me chuckle. Chatty G trying to be 'helpful"
riskyornot.co
982. Casey's Leftover Tailgate Mac and Cheese — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating Casey's* Leftover Tailgate Mac and Cheese. Dr. Don - risky ☣️ Professor Ben - risky ☣️
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Just because something is #NotRisky, that doesn't mean it #TasteGood.
riskyornot.co
981. Very Expired Agave Nectar, Unopened in a Cork-Sealed Bottle — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from consuming very expired agave nectar, unopened in a cork-sealed bottle. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
We've probably covered similar versions of this topic in the past but here you go again:
riskyornot.co
980. Cooked Cajun Red Beans Left Out Overnight — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating cooked Cajun red beans left out overnight. Dr. Don - risky ☣️ Professor Ben - risky ☣️
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
We got some nice assistance for a topic from XKCD via a mutual fan
riskyornot.co
979. Cooking S'mores With Marshmallows Over a Burning Circuit Board — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks cooking s'mores with marshmallows over a burning circuit board. Dr. Don - risky ☣️ Professor Ben - risky ☣️
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I’m glad we could help ❤️
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
This was a fun one to deconstruct, pun intended. Also I like the show art from Chatty G.
riskyornot.co
978. Not Breaking Apart Iceberg Lettuce to Wash Every Leaf — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from not breaking apart iceberg lettuce to wash every leaf. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
It's well known that we have a certain minimum requirement for Canadian content. What you may not know as we also have a minimum requirement for "Southern" content. This episode fulfills that obligation
riskyornot.co
977. Boiled Peanuts Left in a Hot Car for Two Days — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating boiled peanuts left in a hot car for two days. Dr. Don - risky ☣️ Professor Ben - risky ☣️
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
It's dangerous to start recording fully caffeinated on a Monday morning. Ben and I had a lot to say.
riskyornot.co
976. Butchering a Legally Hunted Bear in a Communal Residence Hall Kitchen — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks associated with butchering a legally hunted bear in a communal residence hall kitchen. Dr. Don - risky ☣️ Professor Ben - risky ☣️
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This is a silly little episode rounding off the latest batch of podcasts. www.riskyornot.co/ep... If this one was too short and you need more ocean related content, check out some of these past episodes: www.riskyornot.co/se... (mostly Ocean related)
riskyornot.co
975. A Bottle of Guinness From a 162-Year-Old Shipwreck — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from drinking a really old bottle of Guinness found in a shipwreck. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
By my count this is three (or is it four?) episodes that are part of my recent travel related arc
riskyornot.co
974. Leftover Rice Transported Out of Temperature Control for About 5 Hours — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating brown rice held out of temperature control for about five hours. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
This is another part of my travel arc. This was an interesting one.
riskyornot.co
973. Out of Date $0.85 Jalapeno Snack From a Farmers Market — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks for eating an out of date discounted snack food purchased at a farmers market. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Ben might call this part of an arc related to my recent travels.
riskyornot.co
972. Corn Chowder in the Fridge for a Week — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating corn chowder stored in the refrigerator for a week. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I hope Ben doesn't get into too much trouble about this.
riskyornot.co
971. To Take a Bath at Ben's House Yesterday — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from taking a bath at Ben's house when the water is very dirty. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Thank you!
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
I concoct a bizarre red thread conspiracy theory because I just want to talk about our poor little sick doggo. Good news is that she get's out of the hospital today!
riskyornot.co
970. Vaccines — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from vaccines, after Don concocts a bizarre red string conspiracy theory because he really just wants to talk about his poor little sick doggo. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Apologies to everybody expecting a new Risky or Not episode today. We recorded a new batch late in the day, and I've still got to do the post production, but hope to get to it over the weekend. It's been a busy couple of weeks which you will hear about when you hear this batch ;)
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Not useful at all. There’s really no proven home disinfection technologies that I would recommend. Lots of recalls, but the actual risk of consumption of fruits and vegetables has not changed significantly.
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Totally! 
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
You might not be wrong 
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Yes!
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
I'm astounded at this listeners dedication to cycling, and to his ability to get most of his calories via dumpster diving!
riskyornot.co
969. McDonald’s Ranch Found on the Side of the Road in Northern Minnesota in the Summer — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating McDonald’s ranch dressing found on the side of the road in northern Minnesota in the summer Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
In a surprising split decision, I think Ben's French toast is risky, although I probably would have tried some.
riskyornot.co
968. French Toast Left on Counter for Almost a Day — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating french toast left on counter for almost a day Dr. Don - risky ☣️ Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Ben and I were very excited to be guests on Milk Street Radio recently, and this episode has dropped:
podcasts.apple.com
Death in the Kitchen: The Shocking Truth About Food Safety
Podcast Episode · Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio · August 14 · 52m
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I think we will pass. I don’t think they got sick from the water bottle.
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I was glad to cover this topic. It's something that I think about on a regular basis.
riskyornot.co
967. Eating Small Pieces of Chicken Left Behind in the Airfryer, Reheated Days Later — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating small pieces of chicken left behind in the airfryer, reheated days later. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
This one was quite an adventure, but we both get to #Risky in the end
riskyornot.co
966. Drinking a Mountain Dew That You Accidentally Dropped in a Port-a-Potty — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from drinking a Mountain Dew that you accidentally dropped in a port-a-potty. Dr. Don - risky ☣️ Professor Ben - risky ☣️
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
I’ve been thinking about this post since I read it last night. It might be the best take.
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Reposted by Don Schaffner
inthefade @ihavethatonvinyl.com · 11/08/2026
sneaking out of a danger in a catering cart and leaving people behind is so peter griffin coded
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
anyone who asks me to do math without a spreadsheet is going into a time out
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
This topic came directly to Ben via text message!
riskyornot.co
965. Cooked Frozen Hot Dogs in the Package Left in Sink Basin Over Night With Water — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating cooked frozen hot dogs in the package left in sink basin over night with water. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
000
Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Props to Dr. Jose Rose for a very nice article: www.washingtonpost.c...
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Let’s be clear, Trump is not good for food safety. But remember that most food safety responsibility falls with private companies not with regulatory agencies. And it’s generally bad business to make your customers sick.
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
The audio for the current Risky or Not was incorrect, it's now been fixed. Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa, as the great man once sang. RIP Jimmy.
youtube.com
Jimmy Buffett - Fruitcakes (Official Music Video)
“Fruitcakes” official music video by Jimmy Buffett. Listen to more Jimmy Buffett: https://jimmybuffett.lnk.to/BestOf Follow Jimmy Buffett: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimmybuffett/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmybuffett/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jimmybuffett Official Store:
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
This is a very timely episode which we recorded earlier in this week. Apologies for the late posting today. If you think recall our lettuce in Michigan episode, this would be the second part of that arc.
riskyornot.co
964. Eating Jalapeños Right Now — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating fresh jalapeños right now. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
010
Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
I could not have said it better myself:
universityofcalifornia.edu
Why a UC food safety expert still eats salad during a Cyclospora lettuce outbreak | University of California
A Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce has many Americans wondering whether it's still safe to eat leafy greens. We asked UC Davis food safety expert Erin DiCaprio what consumers should actually know.
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Finally a double risky. You know we're conservative when it comes to botulism:
riskyornot.co
963. Eating Shelf Stable Tuna With Garlic in Olive Oil if the Jar Is Leaking — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating shelf stable tuna with garlic in olive oil if the jar is leaking. Dr. Don - risky ☣️ Professor Ben - risky ☣️
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Finally caught up with the backlog, with this one dropping on schedule
riskyornot.co
962. Dane's Cadmium Cod Liver — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating cod liver with a Proposition 65 warning about cadmium. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
021
Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
This one should've posted on Friday. This is a really clever idea from the folks at the New York Times. Ben and I approve.
riskyornot.co
961. Roux Raw Dough Cookies — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from roux raw dough cookies. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Sorry for the delayed posting of this past week Risky or Not episodes. It's been crazy with International Association for Food Protection plus Cyclospora media stuff. This one should've posted on Monday:
riskyornot.co
959. Brushing Your Teeth With a Toothbrush That Was Not in a Toothbrush Protector — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from brushing your teeth with a toothbrush that was not in a toothbrush protector. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Here is the next one which should've posted last Wednesday. It's a little glimpse inside the wonderful world of Milltown, New Jersey.
riskyornot.co
960. Drinking Water from a Source that Failed to Maintain Treatment for Removing Bacteria — Risky or Not?
Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from drinking water from a source that failed to maintain treatment for removing bacteria. Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼 Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼
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Don Schaffner @bugcounter.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
i’ve added it to the queue 
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