I like & use Reptibark, but you're right to question their claim. Plenty of things aren't killed off with hot water, though- so I think if you try to go this route, after removing obvious fecal matter & urates, the best thing would be to rinse it thoroughly in a colander -aka large strainer- & not the same one you make your salads with, lol. Then bake it dry in a slow oven -150* for about an hour or so. Mine just goes into my garden, but I think this would be safe enough.