We're all familiar with the six food groups: meat, dairy, vegetables, bread, fruits and fats. But here's a food pyramid pop quiz for you: under which group – if any – would edible panties fall? That's an issue Rosemary Benitez, owner of San Antonio-based Shades of Love lingerie store, was faced with when the health department knocked on her door. While Benitez's store isn't a restaurant, the health department requires it to have a food permit because it stocks and sells items like edible underwear (e.g. candy g-strings), sexy mints and other, um, bedroom desserts.

Initially (and incorrectly) thinking the health department's visit was part of an elaborate practical joke, Fox News reported that “Benitez told San Antonio's KENS5 TV station she believes the permit, which costs about $230 a year, and the routine health department inspections that come with it are completely unnecessary.” In perhaps what is one of the best quotes of the month, Benitez rebuked the health departments claim, saying “Everything in the box says 'novelty item' only… It's not something you sit down and actually eat. It's more for licking and tasting.”

Unlike nutritious, daily meals that typically require a fork and a knife, Benitez told reporters that any activity involving edible panties is “not going to fill you up… I don't think you would actually eat, lick, or taste enough of this that it would cause a big problem.” San Antonio's Sanitarian Services Manager Stephen Barschewski disagrees, saying “Any facility in the city of San Antonio that sells edible substances requires a food establishment permit. One, it's the law. Two, in case there's a recall, we certainly want to know the source.”

Christie Bishop can also be found blogging at PardonMyCrumbs.com.

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