Don’t Eat These Dangerous Buffet Foods!
At buffets, the last thing you want to think about is your safety, but the reality is that many of these foods are exposed to bacteria and unsafe temperatures. To ensure you don’t eat the wrong thing, here are 10 foods to avoid, and 10 to indulge in.
1. Fried Foods
While fried foods may seem safe enough, just know you run the risk of cross-contamination! Most of these fried foods will be run in the same fryer, so don’t be surprised if your fried seafood tastes awfully a lot like chicken.
2. Chocolate Fondue
If the buffet you’re going to is fancy enough to have a chocolate-covered fountain, you can’t help but be tempted to touch it. Unfortunately, these fondue fountains are pretty exposed, meaning lots of people are touching, breathing, and talking around these fountains, creating a germ-filled environment.
3. Eggs
Whether it’s a breakfast buffet or you’re just a fan of hardboiled egg appetizers, this is one you’ll want to think about twice. Room temperature is key when it comes to eggs, as they must be hot or cold. That means if your cold eggs are closer to room temperature, you might run the risk of salmonella.
4. Cantaloupe
If you’re a fan of fruit, the only one you’ll want to relatively avoid is cantaloupe and melon. This is because cantaloupe is surprisingly susceptible to being contaminated by salmonella. Considering these fruits are probably sitting out for a while, this only increases their susceptibility.
5. Sushi
While sushi is a beloved food, the issue here lies with the sensitivity of seafood to temperatures. If sushi is kept out too long at an improper temperature, it can quickly turn dangerous and can put you at risk for parasitic exposure.
6. Spinach
If you’re looking to make your own salad, you might find yourself leaning toward the spinach leaf. However, it turns out uncooked spinach is a common carrier of E. coli, which means it might not be worth the risk.
7. Mayo-Salads
Speaking of salads, one other factor to consider are the kind covered in mayo. This is because mayo is also sensitive to temperature, and must remain cold in order to be safe. But sitting around, the mayo on these salads can quickly turn.
8. Oysters
Oysters are quite a fancy food people love to partake in, and getting them at a buffet may seem like a steal. However, experts warn against eating these as buffets will have to quickly clean and put out lots of oysters throughout the day, and these foods require thorough cleaning to avoid fatal germs.
9. Lemon Slices
You might want to grab a garnish in the form of a lemon or lime slice. However, lemons at buffets are known to be bacteria breeders and are far too exposed to be safe. See if you can get a whole lemon, or maybe just let this one slide.
10. Cold Cuts
Cold cuts are only safe to consume when they’re refrigerated cold, or cooked. That means when they’re simply sitting out and reaching room temperature, they can develop germs and bacteria that can lead to lots of terrible symptoms.
Now that we talked about 10 foods you want to avoid at a buffet, here are 10 you can safely go for.
1. Crabs
Lots of people have different buffet eating strategies, but this part of the list will go over the safest and most money-worthwhile foods to go for. With that in mind, you’ll want to go for high-value items, and seafood stands out. Just be cautious of temperature, and perhaps get cooked crab legs or shrimp for safety!
2. Lamb
When it comes to protein, lamb is a unique one that tends to be a certifiably expensive cut at restaurants. So be sure to pile up while at the buffet, as it’s a great way to get your money’s worth.
3. Dim Sum
If you’re a fan of Chinese dumplings, then dim sum is definitely worth checking out. Most buffets offer a variety of flavors and they are usually hand-made, making for a fun cultural experience.
4. Roasted Vegetables
When it comes to selecting vegetables, you want to go for those that are cooked well. Take the time to try out veggies you usually don’t have, or unusual flavorings. There’s nothing wrong with being experimental at a buffet, just avoid raw veggies.
Sharon Chen from Austin, United States on Wikimedia
5. Mini Desserts
When it comes to picking out desserts, go for the smaller servings. This way you can try multiple servings and flavors to get your money’s worth. Think of multiple tiny cake slices or tarts.
6. Steak
Of course, everyone wants a slice of that steak! While a steak filet can run you a pretty penny at most restaurants, you can pile up at the buffet, but be sure to also take the time to try different cuts and styles.
7. Stir Fry
At Chinese buffets in particular, stir fry is quite popular! Usually buffets even have made-to-order wok stations which ensures your food is cooked to a safe temperature and isn’t just sitting around for others to stare at.
8. Soups
Covered soups in particular are quite safe to eat. This is because they’re usually kept in warmers and are still simmering. This is also a great way to get different proteins and veggies in while keeping at a safe temperature.
9. Packaged Items
Items that are also wrapped up or packaged are way less likely to be contaminated. Think of wrapped-up condiments, yogurts, or desserts, as they are quite low risk.
10. Crème Brulee
One of the most popular desserts at buffets is crème brulee, which makes sense as it can be quite tricky to make at home, but all too easy to indulge in at a buffet. Plus, it’s a higher-quality dessert and is relatively safe.
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