[mewzilla]

And preliminary tests showed that it was an unidentified starch substance...

What prelim tests were those, I wonder? And where were they done? And by whom? The locals, who I suspect may be in way over their heads (if this was anything nasty)?

[Flint]

And preliminary tests showed that it was an unidentified starch substance... What prelim tests were those, I wonder? And where were they done? And by whom? The locals, who I suspect may be in way over their heads (if this was anything nasty)?

Perhaps they dipped their shirt collars in it and then ironed them. Yep, that is starchy allright!