24 MARCH 2001, Page 74

Q. I am responding to the hand-washing question (Your problems

solved, 3 March). Research has revealed that when bowls of peanuts and crisps on bar counters and at private functions were examined, an alarming mixture of urines was found which could lead to health problems for those who partook of them. This is because many people do not wash their hands after visiting the lavatory. Perhaps a rethink of your advice would alert others to these sources of possible infection.

Subscriber, Dundee A. Thank you for your reminder, but I believe that most thinkers now avoid communal dishes of any kind, particularly crudit6s with dips, where salival juices can also be introduced to the dip with a second stabbing.