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United States: A sect of loony fundies in New York, obviously of the belief that there's nothing more important to worry about in the world, have their knickers in a twist over crusteceans in their drinking water.
Orthodox Jews in New York have become concerned that the city's drinking water may not be kosher because it contains tiny crustaceans known as copepods.
The organisms, which measure about a millimeter long, pose no threat to human health, according to the city Department of Environmental Protection. But Orthodox teaching bars the eating of crustaceans — aquatic animals with skeletons outside their bodies, including shrimp, crab and lobsters.
The organisms first came to the attention of Jewish leaders in Brooklyn two weeks ago, The New York Times reported Tuesday. An Israeli produce company that exports kosher vegetables to New York alleged that its products had become infested with insects after being washed in the city's water.
If you're a company involved in water filters or bottled water it looks like scaring the insane is a great way to boost business.
Orthodox Jews Worry Water Isn't Kosher - AP, 1st June 2004.
Posted in
Superstition and Other Silliness
at 01:06. Last modified on September 28 2006 at 23:42.
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Comments
1: Posted by: PZ Myers | June 2, 2004 2:32 AM
I must be a geek -- the story about the silly religious beliefs is bad enough, but I was most irked by the report calling copepods insects.
2: Posted by: Feòrag | June 2, 2004 10:11 AM
I thought the Rules covered unavoidable stuff like this. What are the odds that it coincides with a company starting to market a really serious (and expensive) water filter in New York?
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