The grocery store can be bustling, noisy, and let's face it, a bit grimy. Ever spotted a half-drunk in an aisle, or reached for your favorite pack of protein bars only to find the box opened and pilfered? Aisles often feature not only interesting drinks, but also stray hairs, fingernails, and bits of fuzz. But as you escape the chaos of the aisles, drawn in by the enticing aroma of warm delicious food, you may end up at .
Hot food bars may smell delicious, but sometimes there's an unsanitary truth hiding behind it. Ready-to-go meals are quick, easy, and affordable, offering a mouthwatering array of cultural delights for a different lunch every day. However, relying on these premade dishes comes with risks.
Some hot bars are poorly managed, leaving you vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. Here's how to spot the pitfalls and avoid regrets on your next trip to the buffet station. Hot bars: convenience or caution? Hot bars may save time, but they may not save you from a stomach ache.
In the United States, 48 million people fall victim to foodborne illnesses each year, . A dirty sneeze guard indicates a lack of consistent cleaning, creating an easier route for bacteria and germs to navigate to your food. Temperature matters too.
If food is spilling out of its containers, it's likely not maintaining a safe temperature. This is because the food isn't rotated, therefore the items on the top of the stack will cool, while the items in the warming tray will maintain a food-safe temperatur.