Are buffets really a sanitary place to eat? I mean hundreds of people must reach over the food.?

Answer 1

Some are better than others. Keep in mind that the contaminants that make people sick from food are not airborne. It is bacteria that is transferred through contact such as handling of food with bare unwashed hands. That is assuming that the food is bacteria free when it is initially placed in the buffet line.

Answer 2

There are pretty strict regulations covering buffets as to how long the food can be there, the installation of sneeze guards, etc. If you look at how the food is served, it'll give you a clue as to whether you should eat there. If the sneeze guards are in place, no one is leaning over the food. If employees are replacing dishes in a timely fashion, that tells you they are abiding by the time requirements as well as replenishing the buffet.

Most buffets are done in about two hours, well within the govt guidelines for removing the food. The steam tables are kept at a constant temperature, too.

Ok, now what to avoid. Any dish that is near full, but looks like it's been out a while (dry on top, for instance) is not a safe bet. Cooked food is better than raw (avoid sushi, for instance) since it kills any bacteria on it before cooking. Oh, and avoid any half cooked meat. It happens, but not often. Some people like their steak rare, but it's not really safe in a buffet environment. NEVER eat half-cooked chicken.

Answer 3

They have to be in the US. There are board of health standards and they are checked weekly to see if they are meeting the standards.

Hundreds of people do not reach over one pan of food. There isn't that much food in the pan to begin with and the pans are changed out when they are about 2/3 empty.

If you are becoming ill from eating at a buffet, you need to do one of two things...stop eating so much so fast or report the place to the board of health.

Answer 4

Are restaurants a sanitary place to eat? I mean do you know how the chef looks or what he does while he's cooking?
I have seen for myself what some people in restaurants do and look like. So to answer your questions, no place is really sanitary to eat at except your own home.

Answer 5

They are more sanitary than they used to be. People always get a new plate nowadays. Of course, if there is a kid running around the bar screaming, coughing or sneezing, that definitely isn't a good sign.

Answer 6

this of it this way.. most people want to eat in clean places, just as you do.. Im sure that alot of people make sure their hands are clean before touching anything that THEY ARE GOING TO EAT THEMSELVES! If going to a buffet is easier for you then stick to some place that you know is going to be clean.. or use a napkin to grab the spoons and such! but for the most part i think ur safe.. just always wash your hand afterwards.

Answer 7

I love buffets..there is something about seeing all of that delicious food, the metal tongs, and that snappy sneeze guard protecting the whole thing.I recently visted Orlando, that place is buffet heaven.With all of the families that visit the area, it has to be.

Answer 8

Probably not the most sanitary places to eat but what makes you think that servers at a resturant wash their hands all the time (yes I know they SHOULD but do they?)....plus your body isn't that weak...it can fight off germs very well (unless u have AIDS or are HIV+)

Answer 9

HOW ABOUT PLACES THAT RECYCLE THE FOOD------THAT MEANS SCRAPING OFF THE FOOD THAT IS LEFT ON THE PLATES AND PUTTING IT BACK ON THE BUFFET----I'VE CLOSED DOWN ONE PLACE 5 TIMES AND EACH TIME THE NAME HAS BEEN CHANGED . THEY ARE GETTING AWAY WITH THIS-----I'D SAY THAT'S NOT EVERY CASE BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW???????

AB

Answer 10

Food open in public for people come to pick up, of course there will danger to consumers. However ourbody should have good enough security system to protect us unless we are weakening as light wind can blow us down.