Sounds like horrible stuff!

I use a lot of cypress mulch which gives the appearance of being splintery. But I have yet to get splinters in me or my snakes. I buy large 30 lb (?) bags at garden centers.

While I do promote buying local, it looks like you should buy anything other than ET Forest Bark off the Internet. Try Aspen, Cypress, Eco Earth, or Reptichips. All are used by members here, seems to be a personal preference. Off course there is no worry with paper towels, newspaper, and liners as well.

If you do a search you will find tons of threads on the subject of substrate. You will find that folks have different criteria, thus different solutions.