The other day, I was at a self-serve buffet restaurant (salad bar and hot foods line), when I noticed a woman sneezing into her hands, then blowing her nose, then without stopping to wash her hands, went over to the salad bar and hot foods line for seconds. She handled the utensil tools and picked up and looked at several bottles of salad dressing before finding one she wanted.
Several days later, at another salad bar/buffet place, same thing with a different woman who was sneezing, and blowing her nose, then w/o washing her hands, filled up water glasses by pushing a lever on the water dispenser.
I didn't say anything to either one, but I'm thinking I probably should have. These people are ignorantly spreading viruses to lots of other people.
Do you think it's best to say something to people in these situations or just let it go? And how would you phrase it?
2007-12-22 18:12:21 · 8 answers · asked by Ms. X 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It would definitely be right to say something, but I have to agree that you will probably get alot of abuse if you do-obviously someone who would do that sort of thing really doesn't care about what others think. (I would say something anyway, and loudly, because I'm just enough of a ***** to enjoy at least embarrassing them. Probably something like "Do you really find it necessary to share your nasal secretions with everyone else in the place? Or don't they have hygiene where you come from?)
But if you don't want to deal with it, just get a staff member's attention and ask them to replace the utensil, while warning others who approach if needed.
It's nice to see someone thinking of others for a change.
2007-12-22 19:15:44 · answer #1 · answered by barbara 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those self-serve buffet lines are a magnet for droplet-spread diseases which is why they should have a glass shield immediately in front of the food area with just enough area underneath for people to access the food, as well as a supervisor making sure people handle the food correctly.
If you notice anything like someone touching utensils after sneezing and nose-blowing or coughing, it's best to mention it to the manager who should replace the utensils, etc, immediately. Speaking to the offenders themselves will only set you up for lots of icy stares and ruin the meal for you.
I won't go to a buffet unless there are staff supervising the buffet and making sure customers don't handle the food.
2007-12-23 02:34:04 · answer #2 · answered by Miss Sally Anne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't say anything because honestly you might come off rude, and you don't know how the person would take it. Unfortunately, that's something that comes with eating at a buffet. SO many people touch the utensils, and you have no idea where their hands have been. I would just stop eating at buffets.
2007-12-23 02:22:00 · answer #3 · answered by xoxo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to the employees or manager to replace the utensils or even the whole dish if it was a really nasty offense. Then suggest they have a bottle of hand sanitizer at the bar (or maybe bring one for them). Next time someone blows their nose and reaches for the food, hand the bottle to them and say, "I'm sorry, but would you kindly use this before you take that spoon? I know how fast the flu can spread! Thanks!" Say it with a smile and most will understand.
2007-12-23 12:11:45 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would ask the employees to replace the utensils. Those people are nasty and will always be nasty. You can't change their behavior. Saying something to them wouldn't change the fact that they had already touched the tongs.
Honestly, this is the reason I don't go to Buffet-style restaurants.
Good luck and best wishes.
2007-12-23 09:06:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask them to kindly wash their hands before leaving behind a string of filthy germs on the things that were cleaned for use.oh course you might get slapped,people are so uncouth and rude these days absolutely no manners what-so-ever.i would never eat buffet style except at a close friends'house,never in a public place,very common to feed at the trough with a bunch of pigs.not wild about buffet style in groups over eight.but never in public.
2007-12-23 03:52:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would definitely say something to them! And if they have a problem with it, than demonstrate to them how would they feel if you stood there and sneezed and blew your nose and start touching everything. Once you embarrass them, they will never forget it! If you are going to sneeze, sneeze into your sleeve! I Better yet, carry some disinfecting wipes with you so you can offer it to them. I'm sure they'll get the hint.
2007-12-23 02:27:29 · answer #7 · answered by Carmen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its difficult. The best thing is to have a word with the manager of the buffet. Thats what I would do.
selfish people - doncha just love 'em
2007-12-23 02:23:48 · answer #8 · answered by Puppet Dictator 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋