We all know it’s the furthest thing from fancy we could find, yet, there is something fundamentally fun and delicious about buffets. In other words, nothing taps into our basic human needs like old-fashioned, all-you-can-eat buffets. Problem is, buffets pose a few major problems, starting with sanitation challenges. They also encourage overeating, aren’t always a good value, and serve up dishes that are loaded with excess calories. You don’t have to cancel your yearly buffet visit, but keep in mind this list of foods to avoid in order to get your money’s worth and prevent getting sick.
10. Bread
Bread is not going to make you sick. Unless you eat too much of it which is exactly what all-you-can-eat buffets want. By filling up on cheap bread, you will eat less of more costly delicious foods. Have a few rolls if you are craving them. But we suggest you skip the bread table in favour of more expensive and tastier foods.
9. Pre-cut fruits
A healthy option to counter all the unhealthy ones, right? Sadly, pre-cut fruits are not as safe a choice as it may seem. Unless it is kept in a very cold fridge, pre-cut fruits are very subject to bacterias growth. Skip cantaloupe and other fruit salads, especially if it is kept on ice rather than in a refrigerator.
8. Sprouts
Even more so than pre-cut fruits, sprouts should not be eaten at buffets as they are one of the most dangerous foods to eat. Extremely sensitive to humidity and difficult to clean, they are very susceptible to bacterial contaminants like E. coli, salmonella, and Listeria. If looking for a healthy option at a buffet, you might be better off skipping those salad bar sprouts and opting for some cooked vegetables instead.
7. Sushi
Again a question of freshness. Forget about the cost-benefit of eating sushi at an all-you-can-eat buffet. There is a reason why quality sushi is so expensive and it might have something to do with it won’t get you sick.
6. Mayonnaise-based salads
Tuna salad, in particular, should be avoided. The combo of mayonnaise and tuna does not do well in fluctuating temperatures. But really all kinds of mayonnaise-based salads should be avoided at all costs. The egg yolks condiment does not keep well and could easily be contaminated with bacterias.
5. Things you can eat at home
No health hazard here, we are just trying to spare your wallet. Because why eat at a buffet what you could easily make at home? Make the most of fixed prices and indulge in expensive dishes you don’t normally cook at home.
4. Salad greens
Somewhat saver then sprouts, salads greens, and especially baby spinach, should not be your buffets go-to for your dose of health. Why? Because they could be harbouring dangerous pathogens. If you are not a fan of bacterias, including Listeria, cryptosporidium, salmonella, and E. coli, have your veggies cooked.
3. Salad toppings
We all love a good crunch in our salads. Unfortunately, it’s not just leafy greens that turn out to be “healthy” disasters at buffets. Some of your favourite salad toppers aren’t that healthy either. Filled with sodium, sugar, and saturated fat, maybe just skip the salad bar altogether.
2. Lemons
Lemon wedges you’re served in drinks or alongside seafood are pre-sliced and stored for who knows how long. The problem is that once it is cut, lemons become susceptible to bacterial contaminations. So the next time you’re at the buffet, you’re better off skipping lemon in your drink or squeezed over your crab legs.
1. Raw oysters
Everybody should know this by now. Raw oysters are a delicacy and should only be eaten extremely fresh in restaurants with high sanitary standards. Otherwise, you are putting yourself at a high of contracting a serious disease.
Source: Mashed
