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

The FDA has 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.

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