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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to complain to shop about ice cream cone??

104 replies

Gingerandcocoa · 06/07/2013 10:06

I went to a local ice cream shop yesterday, and really wanted my ice cream in a cone. I noted, however, that the serving staff were using their bare hands to pick up the cone, right after handling money - as i've seen sooo many times in the UK and europe.

I think it's absolutely disgusting, and whilst I have in the past politely asked if they could use a napkin to pick up mine (I apologised and said I was really fussy), this time I didn't want to upset anyone, just had mine in a cup, but then proceeded to write to the shop complaining.

I really don't think I am BU, but maybe I am? I don't understand why others don't complain??? Who can even guarantee that the staff wash their hands after using the loo???

OP posts:
ParadiseChick · 06/07/2013 10:27

What would the alternative be?

catgirl1976 · 06/07/2013 10:31

Germs.

Good for you. :)

Think of them as tiny, extra sprinkles Grin

Mrsrobertduvall · 06/07/2013 10:32

Wear latex gloves? I've noticed that more and more.

But then what if you're allergic to latex.......

Original poster
Gingerandcocoa · 06/07/2013 10:33

Use a napkin to pick up the cone, or one of those "cone sleeves"?

OP posts:
Original poster
Gingerandcocoa · 06/07/2013 10:34

The problem with latex gloves, is that they're still likely to pick up the money wearing the gloves :(

OP posts:
WeAreEternal · 06/07/2013 10:34

I would just ask them to use a napkin.

Although being that the cones sit out all day and you are touching it with your own hands, which will have handled money, I think you are being a little UR to write a letter of complaint.

PseudoBadger · 06/07/2013 10:34

The ideal is to have separate people taking money and doing the service. Suggest that?

Montybojangles · 06/07/2013 10:35

But you will have touched money when paying, right before you then hold and eat it won't you??

Mrsrobertduvall · 06/07/2013 10:35

Have a lolly instead?

PinkSippyCup · 06/07/2013 10:36

I hate this too OP! Puts me off buying ice cream, from ice cream vans, unless I get something in a cup/ wrapper.

It's gross and YANBU!

CaptainSweatPants · 06/07/2013 10:37

'The ideal is to have separate people taking money and doing the service.'

No one minds in an ice Cream van that's there's just one man!

PinkSippyCup · 06/07/2013 10:38

I mind Captain Grin

PseudoBadger · 06/07/2013 10:38

On the bright side, a waffle cone is not the ideal medium to permit the growth of bacteria. Unless you are washing your own hands in the seconds between handing over the money and receiving the cone YABU.

Original poster
Gingerandcocoa · 06/07/2013 10:39

Pseudo you are absolutely right, and actually I know of a country where by law you're required to have different people serving and taking payment. Having said that I can see how it would be difficult for small businesses, so appreciate it may not always be possible!

Monty you're right, but I try to use one hand for money and another one for the cone if that was completely unavoidable. And, if they did use the napkin, then I could touch just the napkin too, and all would be solved Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
Gingerandcocoa · 06/07/2013 10:40

PinkSippy I am glad I'm not alone!!!

Although by the responses it does sound like most people don't really mind, so maybe IABU and will try not to mind too much, maybe I can bring myself to eat the cone next time...

OP posts:
PinkSippyCup · 06/07/2013 10:43

I use a napkin.

Also I think touching money i.e one coin to pay with, then handling your own ice cream (although still a little gross!) is not the same has handling loads of money all day in between touching other people's food.

usualsuspect · 06/07/2013 10:43

Do people really worry about this?

MN constantly throws up problems I've never even thought about.

Tee2072 · 06/07/2013 10:44

Germs are good for you. Embrace them.

BlameClaimProfit · 06/07/2013 10:46

OMG indirect human contact.

Demand compensation!

Montybojangles · 06/07/2013 10:46

I buy my lunch (if I get a chance) on the run most days, so I'm pretty sure I've touched cash and then my sarnie with the same hand regularly. I don't appear to have come to harm yet.

I would just ask them politely to use a serviette to handle the cone if it's worrying you, I doubt they would upset by you asking.

PinkSippyCup · 06/07/2013 10:47

Sorry last post!

I was once in an ice cream queue when someone asked about which cone size cost what. The ICM picked up a small and medium (full palm grip) and held them up. The lady in front of me complained Grinand told him he should be wearing gloves.

I mean seriously who wants to eat a sweaty ice cream cone

Montybojangles · 06/07/2013 10:48

Grin Tee I lean to that way of thinking too. Though obviously wouldn't recommend rubbing a raw chicken or such against your cornetto

perplexedpirate · 06/07/2013 10:49

I think this might be the firstest worldest problem evah!
Are we all keeling over after eating contaminated ice cream cones? No.
So it's fine.

Yonihadtoask · 06/07/2013 10:49

I always throw away the cone. Agree that if is v unhygienic.

Write to the shop, I am sure there could be a way that they could serve without touching the actual cone. Must be some paper wrappers that could go around the cone?

NoComet · 06/07/2013 10:51

Good grief, do people, really notice or care about things like this.

I only notice when people do wear gloves, our local shop does (blue non latex) and I just think what a faff and waste of money, resources.

Yes, being carefull as greggs and our local butchers are to have different staff doing pasties/cakes raw-meat/cold meats

But ice cream cones? I bet they don't worry about gloves unloading boxes and filling machines.