"I got a buddy who says..."
All of my BEST moron jokes start with that same phrase. ;)
... he never wears a seatbelt.
... he never wears a motorcycle helmet.
... he never wears a condom.
... he's never seen a dentist.
... he doesn't wash his hands.
... he drinks a 12-pack and still drives.
Preventative measures are JUST that. Preventative.
Some of these things, people are more passionate about than others. The passion comes from two things: Perception and Experience. Those of us who have seen how FAST bacteria multiplies under ideal conditions (microscopically) are terrified of them. Those who HAVE dealt with the pain of food poisoning are often more careful in the future.
IMHO... if I am only affecting ME, I take more risks. I drive a little faster when I am alone. I eat my steak rare.
If I am affecting others, I owe it to them to take their care into consideration. My 2 year old son only gets meat cooked to safe temperatures. If he is in the car, I drive more responsibly.
I'm sure your buddy is a good guy, I just wouldn't eat his food.
Sidebar: bbally? You are my hero. I love your story above more than I have words for. xoxo
(In my area, we call those "analogical perception altering story-tales" Yours is really good.)