I agree, Kokopuffs. I believe that standing water becomes stagnant, and that's why there is a stale date. It's probably because there is no chlorine in the water. No cross contamination in my knives at work, no mud packs either. LOL! And I guess I'm already bent too far in his direction, but I sanitize and sanitize! I wear gloves and hair restraints. In January I am taking classes at the University on sanitation. I am excited about this, because it's always been a huge part of my operation. I can then say "I KNOW this," instead of, "I read this."