Stay Healthy While Eating Out: 6 Ways to Avoid Germs at Restaurants

Dining out is one of life's pleasures, but in today's world, it also comes with concerns about hygiene and safety. Restaurants, no matter how clean they appear, can be hotspots for germs. These pathogens can lead to anything from a mild stomach upset to more serious infections. However, by taking certain precautions, you can enjoy your dining experience without the added worry of picking up unwanted germs. Here are six essential ways to protect yourself from germs when eating out, each backed by expert advice.

1. Choose Your Restaurant Wisely

The first line of defense against germs in a restaurant starts before you even sit down. Selecting a restaurant with a strong reputation for cleanliness and food safety is crucial. Here’s how to make an informed choice:

• Research the Restaurant's Health Inspection Record: Most health departments publish restaurant inspection scores online. Look for establishments with consistently high marks. A good score indicates adherence to food safety protocols, such as proper food storage and cleanliness.
• Read Reviews: Websites like Yelp and TripAdvisor often include customer comments about a restaurant's cleanliness. While reviews can be subjective, repeated complaints about hygiene should be a red flag.
• Observe the Ambiance: Upon arrival, take a moment to assess the restaurant's overall cleanliness. Pay attention to the floors, tables, and restrooms. A clean restroom usually reflects a commitment to overall hygiene.
• Check the Staff's Hygiene Practices: Restaurant staff should wear clean uniforms, hair restraints, and gloves when handling food. If you notice a lack of these practices, it might be wise to choose another dining spot.

By choosing a restaurant that prioritizes cleanliness, you significantly reduce the risk of coming into contact with harmful germs.

2. Be Cautious with High-Touch Surfaces

High-touch surfaces in restaurants, such as menus, salt and pepper shakers, and door handles, are breeding grounds for germs. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

• Use Hand Sanitizer: Before and after touching any high-touch surfaces, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This simple step can kill most germs and reduce the risk of transferring them to your face or food.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Carry disinfectant wipes and use them to clean your table, chair arms, and any other surfaces you’ll come into contact with. While this might seem excessive, it’s an effective way to ensure your dining area is germ-free.
• Avoid Touching Your Face: It’s a habit for many, but touching your face after coming into contact with germy surfaces can lead to infections. Make a conscious effort to keep your hands away from your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Opt for Digital Menus: Many restaurants now offer digital menus accessible via QR codes on your smartphone. This contactless option eliminates the need to handle physical menus, which can be one of the germiest items in a restaurant.

By minimizing your contact with high-touch surfaces, you reduce the likelihood of picking up germs that could lead to illness.

3. Be Mindful of Food and Drink Safety

Food and drink are the main attractions at any restaurant, but they can also be sources of germs if not handled properly. Here’s how to ensure what you consume is safe:

• Ensure Food is Cooked to the Right Temperature: Undercooked food, especially meats, can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. When ordering dishes like steak or burgers, don’t hesitate to ask for them to be cooked to a safe internal temperature. If in doubt, send it back.
• Avoid Buffet Lines: Buffets are notorious for being germ hotspots. Food left out for extended periods can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and shared utensils can spread germs from one guest to another. If you must eat from a buffet, opt for freshly prepared items, and use hand sanitizer before and after serving yourself.
• Check the Ice: Believe it or not, ice can carry bacteria if not handled properly. Ensure that your drink’s ice was made from clean water and that it was handled with utensils, not bare hands. If you’re unsure, skip the ice.
• Beware of Condiments: Shared condiment bottles and salt shakers are rarely cleaned between uses. If possible, ask for single-use packets or request that condiments be brought to you in a small dish. This reduces the chances of coming into contact with germs left by previous diners.

By being vigilant about how your food and drink are prepared and served, you can avoid ingesting harmful germs.

4. Practice Good Personal Hygiene

While the restaurant’s cleanliness is important, your own hygiene practices play a crucial role in preventing the spread of germs. Here’s what you should do:

• Wash Your Hands: This cannot be emphasized enough. Before eating, always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
• Use Utensils, Not Fingers: While it might be tempting to pick up finger foods directly, using utensils whenever possible can limit your exposure to germs. This is especially important when eating items that may have been touched by others, such as bread from a communal basket.
• Keep Hand Sanitizer Handy: In situations where you can’t immediately wash your hands, having hand sanitizer within reach is essential. Use it before and after touching any shared items or surfaces.
• Avoid Sharing Food and Drinks: Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to germs. Avoid sharing your food or drinks with others, as this can easily spread bacteria and viruses, especially if one of you is unknowingly carrying an infection.

By maintaining good personal hygiene, you not only protect yourself but also reduce the risk of spreading germs to others.

5. Be Cautious in Restrooms

Restrooms are one of the most germ-laden areas in any restaurant. Here’s how to navigate them safely:

• Use a Paper Towel to Open Doors: After washing your hands, use a paper towel to open the restroom door. This prevents you from picking up germs from the door handle, which is often touched by people who haven’t washed their hands.
• Avoid Direct Contact with Surfaces: Whenever possible, use your foot to flush the toilet and avoid touching faucets and soap dispensers with your bare hands. Many restrooms now offer touchless options, but when they don’t, use a paper towel as a barrier.
• Wash Hands Thoroughly: After using the restroom, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure to scrub all parts of your hands, including between your fingers and under your nails. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel, as damp hands can pick up more germs.
• Use Hand Sanitizer After Leaving: Even after washing your hands, it’s a good idea to use hand sanitizer once you leave the restroom. This adds an extra layer of protection against any germs you might have encountered on your way out.

By taking these precautions, you can navigate restaurant restrooms without bringing germs back to your table.

6. Monitor the Behavior of Restaurant Staff

The behavior of the restaurant staff can be a strong indicator of the establishment’s commitment to hygiene. Here’s what to look out for:

• Watch How Food is Handled: Observe how the staff handles food and utensils. They should be wearing gloves and using clean utensils to serve food. If you notice bare hands touching ready-to-eat food, it’s a cause for concern.
• Look for Signs of Illness: Staff members who are coughing, sneezing, or showing other signs of illness should not be handling food. If you notice this, it’s important to bring it to the attention of the restaurant manager, as this could be a violation of food safety regulations.
• Notice How Tables are Cleaned: After a table is cleared, it should be thoroughly wiped down with a disinfectant before new guests are seated. If you see that tables are only being wiped with a dry cloth, it’s a sign that the restaurant might not be taking cleanliness seriously.
• Check for Proper Food Storage: If you can see into the kitchen or storage areas, take note of how food is stored. Perishable items should be kept refrigerated, and all food should be stored off the ground to prevent contamination.

By being observant of how the restaurant staff handles food and maintains cleanliness, you can make informed decisions about the safety of your dining experience.

Conclusion

Dining out doesn't have to be a risky venture if you take the right precautions. By choosing a clean restaurant, being cautious with high-touch surfaces, ensuring food and drink safety, practicing good personal hygiene, navigating restrooms carefully, and monitoring the behavior of the restaurant staff, you can significantly reduce your chances of picking up germs. These simple steps can help ensure that your dining experience is both enjoyable and safe.