How clean are gel packets? (Page 2)

The WHO and the NIH have determined that over sanitizing is actually dangerous. Exposure generally is good.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1602550/over_sanitizing_can_be_very_dangerous.html

I wrote some long winded response but then decided I could summarize it rather quickly with the following;

If I am in any situation where I could contaminate my eyes, nose, or mouth with something that has come in contact with raw meat or someone else who has improperly washed their hands after using the restroom I am rather cautious.  

I would wash the gel, you don't know what its been in contact with and it will take all of five seconds.  I wash my fruit, vegetables, and tops of cans.  My sanitation habits don't interfere with my daily life or cause undue stress.  Find a balance. 

Road pop-tarts are apparently an exception to all sanitation guidelines.  IF they are strawberry frosting, I would agree.

And antibiotics. 

Shouldn't this be part of the "things you think about while you're out running/biking" thread? I'm sure we've all swam in lakes/rivers where we've come out a different color and thought about how much water got drunk. Can't say I ever thought about gel packets.

I'm a microbiologist by training (really!) and I never think about germs unless someone is paying me to do so!