LETTERS: CHECK THE FACTS FIRST

To the editor:

One of the main rules of printing an article/editorial in the newspaper is: Check your facts before you print the article. It absolutely amazes me that omitting "Cook the eggs and half and half to a boil" can bring on a personal attack on the sanitation practices of my preschool such as the one on the editorial page of last Sunday's Southeast Missourian.

I now realize, thanks to Dr. Georganne P. Syler, those words were omitted from the recipe that was printed along with the article in the Jan. 10 issue. Although it was not the fault of the reporter that the recipe did not include such directions, it is common knowledge, due to dangerous bacteria in raw eggs, to cook them. I am very sorry for this omission, and I find myself corrected.

However, as to the sanitation practices of my preschool, I can assure you that the children weren't eating out of a "common bowl" as quoted by Dr. Syler. Each child had his own cup and spoon along with his own single serving of snow ice cream.

In the future, when it's necessary to zero in on the sanitation practices of my preschool, I strongly suggest first that you come and visit. I promise that you will have your own plate, cup and spoon if you decide to stay for lunch.

PATTY TURNER, Owner

Friends Forever Preschool

Cape Girardeau