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April 12, 2007 | Issue 4-20

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Erma Walters makes a trophy-winning lemon pie, but she won’t be receiving any awards for kitchen sanitation. The 62-year-old grandmother of seven cooked Easter brunch on Sunday for her three children and their families. Unfortunately, the family-declared ‘delicious’ meal was lovingly prepared in a cesspool of filth and harmful bacteria.

Walters took several steps to ensure bacteria covered her kitchen’s surfaces while preparing the tasty feast. Most notably, ‘Grams’ placed raw turkey and chicken on the countertop and then cleaned the surface with her long-trusted kitchen sponge. To further ensure disease, she dropped prepared food on the floor and had to scold her shedding dog Sprinkles for getting into the egg casserole on two separate occasions.

Grandson Timmy remembers the cramps and vomiting that followed the feast: “It really hurts,” said the pained seven-year-old on his way to Mercy Medical Center.

The family made it to the hospital, where all were treated and released Sunday evening. Oldest son Bill says the family harbors no ill feelings towards ‘Grams’ but agrees she should be more cognizant of raw meat, aged sponges and pets while preparing food.