The next time you dine out, there’s something you need to know: the biggest risk of food poisoning happens at busy restaurants. That’s when chefs and other staff are most likely to cross-contaminate your food and least likely to wash their hands. This discovery came from a study by researchers at North Carolina State University, who set up cameras in a restaurant to analyze food preparation practices.
Food Poisoning Outbreaks and Restaurants
According to the researchers, meals prepared outside the home have been implicated in up to 70 percent of food poisoning outbreaks. This makes them a critical area of focus for food safety professionals. The objective of the study was to determine how closely food handlers were complying with food safety guidelines and to gauge the effectiveness of training efforts.
Cross-Contamination: The Leading Cause of Food Poisoning
Cross-contamination occurs when pathogens, such as Salmonella, are transferred from a raw or contaminated source to food that is ready to eat. This can happen when a knife is used to cut raw chicken and then used to slice a sandwich in half. Cross-contamination can also result from direct contact, such as raw meat dripping onto vegetables that are intended to be used in a salad.
The findings of the North Carolina State University study revealed that the average kitchen worker committed eight cross-contamination errors, possibly leading to illnesses, during a typical eight-hour shift. Each of these errors would have constituted a violation under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code inspection guidelines.
What Makes Busy Restaurants More Dangerous?
When a restaurant is particularly busy, the kitchen staff is under immense pressure to prepare and serve meals quickly. In such an environment, there is an increased likelihood of mistakes occurring, which can lead to lapses in food safety practices. Some of these lapses may include:
- Inadequate handwashing: The FDA guidelines recommend that food handlers wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before touching any food or kitchen equipment. In a busy kitchen, workers may be more likely to skip this crucial step.
- Insufficient cooking time: When under time pressure, chefs may not cook certain dishes for the proper duration, potentially leaving harmful bacteria alive in the food.
- Mishandling raw ingredients: Raw meat and poultry can harbor dangerous pathogens, making it essential that they are separated from ready-to-eat foods. In a chaotic environment, however, it can be easy for this to go unnoticed.
Tips for Reducing Your Risk of Food Poisoning at Restaurants
No one wants to experience food poisoning, which can result in severe discomfort, and in some cases, significant health risks. Here are some tips to lower your risk when dining out:
- Do your research: Before visiting a restaurant, read online reviews and check the establishment’s hygiene rating. There are websites like Eater and Yelp that can help you make more informed decisions about where to eat.
- Avoid peak times: If possible, plan your meal at a less busy time to decrease the likelihood of encountering food preparation issues caused by a hectic kitchen.
- Observe cleanliness: Take note of the overall cleanliness of the restaurant, including the tables, cutlery, and restroom facilities. If you notice something amiss, it could be an indicator of poor food safety practices.
- Pay attention to the staff: Restaurant staff should appear well-groomed, and food handlers should wear appropriate gloves and headgear.
- Ask questions: Don’t be shy to ask staff about how dishes are prepared, especially if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. This can help you gauge how knowledgeable they are about food safety.
In conclusion, while it’s impossible to eliminate all risks of food poisoning, being aware of the potential dangers at busy restaurants can help you make smarter choices when dining out. Do your research, ask questions, and be mindful of the restaurant’s overall cleanliness and staff behavior. With these precautions, you can reduce your chances of falling prey to food poisoning and fully enjoy your dining experience.
