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Baby Turtles Sold In Central Fla. May Pose Health Risk

Families Urged To Wash Hands After Handling Turtles

POSTED: Thursday, January 6, 2005

UPDATED: 11:35 am EST January 6, 2005

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Baby turtles sold in Central Florida as holiday gifts may be exposing families to an invisible health risk, according to a Local 6 News report.

The Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of red ear slider turtles in the 1970s following a massive outbreak of salmonella poisoning.

Turtles less than 4 inches in length were banned because they were easy for children to put in their mouth.

Now, a Local 6 News investigation has found the turtles are being sold again in Central Florida. FDA and health officials want parents to know salmonella may be on the shells and skin of the turtles.

Parents are urged to make sure children wash their hands if they've handled the pets, according to the report.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

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Baby Turtles Sold In Central Fla. May Pose Health Risk

Families Urged To Wash Hands After Handling Turtles

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