Does it bother you if you see someone barefoot in a public place?

1. 61

   Barefootfaeposted 11 years ago

   Let say the grocery store or convenient store. That is as opposed to a park or a swimming pool or beach. In other words someone is fully barefoot in what in conventionally an unconventional setting.

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      Uninvited Writerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Most stores, restaurants etc. do not allow you to be barefoot, I'm sure to do with insurance. I used to go barefoot all the time as a young teen (in the summer of course) so it doesn't bother me to see people go barefoot outdoors.

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         Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Well I have been barefoot throughout all 4 walmart stores in my area and two grocery stores. My young son and I were walking into one of the grocery stores barefoot when the female manger on duty looked up and saw us. She looked for a second and got a big grin on her face and turned back to what she was doing. Might depend on your regional situation too.

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            tbreachposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            agree.  Nobody has said anything to me at all, because there are no health codes (and they know it).
            
            Freedom is great thing if we remember that it is protected under law.  Public accomodation without discrimation is a human right.
            
            Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...

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   2. 69

      Pearldiverposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I believe going barefoot should only be acceptable if that person wears a Burka!
      
      OMG.... Can you imagine how gross it would be if we were born with Bare Feet?
      
      Amazing! 
      
      Just imagine how bad things would be if incredibly stupid people stood in the shadows (instead of HP Forums) and exposed their personalities to everyone! 

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      mts1098posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Unless it is an indoor food establishment, it does not bother me. I grew up at the boardwalk and mostly walked around in bare feet at the boardwalk eating places.  For an indoor sitting area I would be concerned about possible health hazards. I will say that one of my favorite music artists (Joss Stone) always performs in bare feet.

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      1. 61

         Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         There are a good number of female artists that prefer to perform barefoot.
         I think it's cool and the audience relates to them. It makes for feeling comfortable with them.

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      prospectboyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It doesn't bother me too much if it's in a convenience store, but in a restaurant or grocery store, it' definitely bothers me some. Basically anyplace where there is food that is not packaged.

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2. 74

   Shanna11posted 11 years ago

   I have to say if it is an unconventional setting like the grocery store, it does gross me out a bit. The pool is already gross enough-- my microbiology class swabbed the floors of pool changing rooms and pool decks in various locations and the stuff that grew was absolutely foul. Swabbing the bottom of a shoe provides cultures of fecal matter-- I can't imagine why people would walk barefoot in public places with that sort of junk all over the ground. It's a hygiene issue.

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      tohimilookposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree that it is a hygiene issue.  I don't think people are aware.  I just don't like to see people barefoot in public.

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      Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Well I understand these things. i also think a certain amount is ok especially considering there have been studies showing we are sanitizing our immune systems out of existence. The more we suit ourselves up against some of it, the less able our immune system becomes to fighting it.

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         Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         That's a good point, but I think there are other ways that aren't as icky.... like just using regular soap and water instead of hand sanitizer for cleaning hands  and surfaces.

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   3. 53

      tbreachposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It's called washing your feet.  I wash mine at least twice a day.  I then use a natural anti-microbial foot balm.  My feet are cleaner than your shoes.
       
      As we all know, germs don't enter the body through the foot or skin anyway.  It's hand-to-mouth or airborn (or cuts).
      
      If you are that paranoid, remember that you are not required to eat off the floor if you don't want to.  I'll just make sure not to step on your dinner plate.

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         Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I could practically taste the condescension in that post. Tasty.

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3. 83

   Express10posted 11 years ago

   I don't like this idea either. It truly is a hygeine issue and these people are going to take all the poo, spit, chemicals, etc. from the ground and walk all over their home, put their feet into bed, or on the couch transferring this stuff everywhere. I think it's a horrible idea and I wonder if people know what they're gathering on the soles of their feet when I see them doing this.
   
   I imagine if they wore shoes, they'd also transfer the yuck from them all over their homes and allow their kids to play on filthy floors and carpets.

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4. 60

   tobey100posted 11 years ago

   Are you kidding???  I'm in Tennessee.  It bothers me if someone wears shoes in public!

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      Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Exactly! That's where i grew up!!!! That is the Promised Land!
      No shoes ever!

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         tobey100posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         There's nothing like not having to bind your feet and being accepted by your neighbor!

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            Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Your profile says Whites Creek. Is that in East Tennessee? I'm from Kingston.

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      Beth37posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      lol

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5. 84

   psycheskinnerposted 11 years ago

   I see no hygiene difference for the observer between shoes on and shoes off.  None of their business.

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   1. 74

      Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It would be great if personal hygiene only affected you-- but one argument we discovered in my microbiology class for wearing shoes in public was that barefooted people will collect and spread a HUGE variety of microorganisms (more so than those wearing substantial shoes)-- fecal matter, diseases, etc. Later, people will set things down on the floor, bags, purses, backpacks--things that you don't even think of--- and then that huge array of bacteria brought in by barefooted people gets spread around even more--kitchen counters where some women set their purses.... (that's just one example I can think of off the top of my head)
      
      Really, being barefoot in some public places is a hygiene issue that can concern everyone. It was something I never thought of until I took that microbiology class and we literally proved it.
      
      Technically, flip flops and thin soled sandals also tend to spread just as much bacteria as those who are barefoot, compared to tennis shoes or thicker, rubber soles, so I'm not trying to mandate that everyone wear shoes 24/7-- just that it is proven to spread more little critters everywhere. I'm not going to tell someone in a grocery store to put their shoes on, but I can't pretend that I have no problem with it.
      
      Outside of public places, shoelessness is whatever. I grew up in Brazil and Georgia and went barefoot all the time outside, until I slashed my foot open on broken glass. After that my parents mandated shoes.

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         tbreachposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         So "technically" there is little difference between flip-flops, sandals and bare feet in spreading germs.  It certainly makes sense that there are zero health code lawsin the US that require shoes for customers.
         
         Your input has reaffirmed that there is no real health issue with a person barefoot in public.  Doesn't bother me in the least.  I'm not required to look at a person's feet under any circumstances.  I'm not required to place personal items on public floors.
         
         It seems to me that hand washing would affect the spread of germ a 1000 fold over shoes.
         
         BTW- I don't care if you have a problem with it, neither does the health dept.  When in doubt-MYOFB.

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         1. 74

            Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Ooh, have I angered you? I love when people sneak swear words into acronyms. It's cute.

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6. 70

   jennzieposted 11 years ago

   I have never seen anyone barefoot in any public places around here. That would be a strange sight.
   
   However, I do enjoy being barefoot myself and prefer not to wear any shoes or socks when I can. I just wouldn't dare enter any public place without shoes.

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      Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      If you don't mind my asking, where is "around here"? I find the regional attitudes fascinating.

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         jennzieposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I live in southeastern PA, though I'm sure if you traveled north to Allentown, Northampton, etc., they would probably be much more lenient about going barefoot.

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            Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Wow that's quite a bit of difference. Hey barefoot where you can. It's good for you and I think it helps our frame of mind.

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               Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

               I actually get stressed when I go barefoot-- I'm so paranoid I'll step on something and cut my feet, because that happens to me a lot.

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               1. 61

                  Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  You must live in kind of a bad place for it which explains your feelings about it. No big. Sorry it does that to you.

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7. 0

   klarawieckposted 11 years ago

   when you see barefoot people walking up and down Miami Beach, you know they're tourists. Most residents wear flip-flops. I can't live without my flip-flops, but I'm only barefoot when I'm at the beach,, walking on the sand. But either way, I agree... you have to build up your system to handle all sorts of diseases. Nothing wrong with kids and big kids going out with no shoes on. Children need to grow to be strong.

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8. 60

   Disturbiaposted 11 years ago

   Seeing people barefoot in public places doesn't bother me at all.  I spent the better part of the late 60s and early 70s barefoot. I do, however, have some serious issues with foot jewelry.  I don't mind seeing toe rings on bare feet, but I think they look tacky with sandals or flip-flops. And if you're going to show everyone your toes, for goodness sake, paint those nails.

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   1. 61

      Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You are like me and grew up then and it was just normal.

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   2. 61

      Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Did you ever have or wear the barefoot sandals? Just the strap across the foot? i really like those and have some homemade ones. Thinking of doing a hub on it.

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9. 78

   Sally's Troveposted 11 years ago

   Who cares? I don't. Put shoes on or not. However, most local health codes regulate things like lack of shoes or shirts when in business establishments.
   
   If you don't like those codes, work to repeal them.

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   1. 53

      tbreachposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Those code you speak of don't exist.  There are zero health codes in the US requiring shirts or shoes for customers of food establishments or in public.
      
      Says on the FRONT PAGE of the Health Dept. web site (VA) that there are no requirements.

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10. 76

    Anti-Valentineposted 11 years ago

    It's a silly idea to walk around barefoot in my opinion. I used to do it when I was a child walking home from school. Your feet get dirty; burnt from the road that's been baked in the sun; thorns, glass and so on in the feet.
    
    I personally would only walk around barefoot in the house. In public when I see people barefoot I think it's a bit inappropriate but I don't say or do anything about it. It's their fault if they sustain any injuries. If people drive barefoot it's a problem because that's not legal I would imagine. I don't even like to see people driving with flops on.

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    1. 74

       Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I was a passenger in three different rear-ending accidents in the space of a year and each time, the person who hit us was wearing flip flops and blamed their accidental acceleration (or inability to stop) on their flip flop slipping around.
       
       It got a little old after a while....
       
       That being said, I'm guilty of driving with flip flops on.....

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          Anti-Valentineposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Yeah, not such a good idea in m opinion. I don't do this. I always wear nice comfortable shoes for driving. Even if you have proper shoes, if they're too new and aren't worn in, they're hell for driving in because you can't "feel" the pedals!

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       2. 61

          Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          sounds like they just didn't have a better excuse.

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    2. 61

       Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       There are no laws anywhere in the US against driving barefoot.

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11. 0

    EmpressFelicityposted 11 years ago

    I am the polar opposite of the OP - I *never* go barefoot, even in the house. I even wear pool shoes in the shower. I just don't like the idea of picking up germs/treading on something sharp.

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    1. 76

       Anti-Valentineposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I agree. Wouldn't want to step in something "yucky".

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          Druid Dudeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          It only bothers me if he's draggin' a cross with a crowd behind him yellin' "CRUCIFY HIM!"

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             Anti-Valentineposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Good one. Just remember this isn't the religion forum.

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    2. 61

       4FoodSafetyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       EmpressFelicity,
       You are very wise. Our feet can harbor harmful bacteria. Remember, bacteria thrive on wet and warmth - our feet need to be covered.

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          tbreachposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          mysophobia:
          
          an anxiety disorder characterized by an overreaction to the slightest uncleanliness or an irrational fear of dirt, contamination, or defilement.
          
          Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. © 2009, Elsevier

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       2. 53

          nickwalton00posted 10 years agoin reply to this

          That is actually one of the reasons I DO go barefoot. On the harsh environment your foot is, bacteria may be picked up, but they don't live very well. Most people, however, put them in nice, dark, warm, moist, incubators called shoes, and by doing so provide a great place for bacteria and fungus to grow. Going barefoot is a great way to prevent foot fungus and plantar warts, "The best but least-used preventative [for warts] appears to be to go barefoot as much as possible" -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantar_wart

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12. 59

    paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

    "No Shirt. No Shoes. No Service."
    
    It's probably already been mentioned, but there are probably a 100 million of these signs on the windows of various retail businesses in the U.S. And that's the way it is...

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       tbreachposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Complete BS.  I actually look for those signs everwhere I go.  I see them at about 1 in 20 stores.  It's a made up sign anyway, backed by nothing but the paper it's written on.
       
       Copy and paste from a state's Govt. Health codes:
       
       and no, you won't find a requirement for customers to wear shirts and shoes.
       
       http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/codes/

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          paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Dude!!!
          
          It all depends on where you live....
          
          And guess what? The store owner can do whatever he/she wants when it comes to dress-codes. The store owner could require that no one can enter their store unless they are wearing a green polka-dot fish tie and high heels. Probably wouldn't get too many customers that way... But the store owner is legally entitled to do that if they want.

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             tbreachposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Duuuuude, I called you out.  There are actually very few of those signs.
             You don't look, I do.  You were talking out of your ass.

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                paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                No, I was talking out of my usual orifice. It's kind of hard to do the other when you're sitting down.
                
                So, how have you enjoyed your first 4 hours at HP?

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                   tbreachposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                   Helping to dispel a myth, based on fact, not emoticons.
                   
                   Beyond that, I wouldn't piss on your gums if your teeth were on fire.
                   
                   And that's the way it is...

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                      paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      You poor thing...
                      
                      OK. For you, I will make it 99 instead of a 100.

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                      psycheskinnerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      Um, wow.  Ew.

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             2. 53

                nickwalton00posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                I also am strongly in favor of being barefooted more often (or just about always), but I don't think you are helping things at all when you use hateful and rude sounding rhetoric. Be respectful of others and they'll be a lot more willing to listen to you and respect you.

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                   tbreachposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                   Oh, come off of it, Nick.  The topic has long been closed.  The posts speak for themselves.  I presented the facts, which were not disputed.  It's fine if it bothers people, but don't try to back your opinions with fallacy.

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                      Beth37posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                      Oooh, yea! I love it when a troll pretends to be a different troll and fights with himself. Wait while I get the popcorn!

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                         tbreachposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                         Don't forget your meds, Beth...

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                      nickwalton00posted 10 years agoin reply to this

                      My opinions are the same as yours. I just think you shouldn't be a jerk when you present them.

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13. 84

    psycheskinnerposted 11 years ago

    Bare feet are not naturally any more unhygienic than bare hands.  You touch the ground with your feet, but not your ass.

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       Pearldiverposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       THAT... Is Not the case with Victor Longbottom of BumbleTown - NZ!
       
       His legs are so short - he leaves Snail Trails, which others often walk in!

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14. 53

    Ayurvedic Healthposted 11 years ago

    Not at all. Man was walking barefoot for millions of years. Now, if sanitation is a concern (restaurants for example), then yes, I would not like to see people without shoes

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15. 62

    Xenonlitposted 11 years ago

    It scares the heck out of me for that person's sake. There is too much disease and other nasty stuff that can be incorporated into the bloodstream through a skin break on the foot.
    
    Here's an example: Do people realize how many times people spit on the sidewalk, and that spit contains more bacterial and viral stuff than a toilet? Staph is the worst infection of all, and the mouth carries it.
    
    Let's add in toxins, molds, poisons and a host of other bad stuff, and all it takes is a tiny wound from a nail, broken glass, and other garbage.

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16. 64

    Lisa HWposted 11 years ago

    I don't care who does what (for the most part, and shoe-wise), but where's mistyhorizon?  I think it might bother her, if I recall correctly   )

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17. 94

    Bedbugabscondposted 11 years ago

    I do not care if people are barefoot. However, I have learned an important lesson. Wear shoes. I hate wearing shoes, and loved being barefoot. Of course, a piece of glass all the way to the bone has changed my mind. When ever I go outside, I will wear shoes!

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18. 59

    paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

    I am definitely pro-barefoot at home. Outside, however, it can indeed be risky business. As far as what others do, I never really cared and am fine with it.

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       Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Some people take it so personally though! I'm rather amused by people who get their knickers in a twist over little things people disagree over. Oh, c'est la vie!

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          paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          He was definitely not a happy camper.

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             Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Hahaha, I'm somewhat amused at his temper, but I vaguely feel sorry for him....not sure why....

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          nickwalton00posted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I am a huge barefoot advocate, but not that kind of advocate. I liked how you were pretty respectful and non argumentative.  I apologize for him and I hope you realize most barefoot lovers are really easy going people. They just love going barefoot because it feels great, is really healthy for your feet, and because they've realized through personal experience that most of the risks are vastly smaller than they are made out to be. Cheers!

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19. 89

    Sethughesposted 11 years ago

    It doesn't bother me. But I think it depends on your geographic location. A beach town would be a haven for barefooters. A small town Kansas book store would not be appropriate. We must adapt to our surroundings to a point.

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20. 61

    4FoodSafetyposted 10 years ago

    Research has shown that feet can harbor bacteria and infestations for years. If we understand bacteria and disease we MUST be appalled. It is a safety item and understanding the severity of this is critical.
    
    The Plastiki inventor, Rothschild was seen barefoot and everyone thought it was find except for the government officials. And in this case, the government officials were correct. Being barefoot in a grocery store is a safety concern and we must train and educate ourselves and our children.
    
    Our future health depends upon understanding the harm of unseen bacteria.

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       tbreachposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Your entire post is pure Psychobabble.
       
       Copy and paste from a state's Govt. Health codes:
       
       "and no, you won't find a requirement for customers to wear shirts and shoes."
       
       http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/codes/

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21. 0

    Beth37posted 10 years ago

    Worst thread ever.

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22. 60

    ALURposted 10 years ago

    It's not my business, though at times I go barefoot on my own lawn or have to dip my feet in a lake...
    It's on them to behave well keeping in mind being clean!

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