15 Things You Should Never Eat at a Restaurant
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Dining out can be a delightful experience filled with delicious food and great company. People often enjoy trying new dishes and exploring different cuisines. But not every menu item is a wise choice. These items might be cooked in unhealthy ways, served in unsanitary conditions, or not worth the price.
We have compiled a list of 15 things to avoid eating at a restaurant to enhance your dining experience and protect your health.
Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts, like alfalfa and bean sprouts, are common in salads and sandwiches. However, they can harbor bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, making them a potential health hazard. These bacteria thrive in the warm and humid environments where sprouts are grown, making it difficult to control their contamination levels. If you’re dining at a restaurant, it’s best to skip the raw sprouts or ask for them to be cooked thoroughly.
Raw Oysters
Raw oysters are a delicacy but also have a significant risk of foodborne illness. Oysters are filter feeders, which means they absorb harmful bacteria and viruses from the water they live in. Eating raw oysters increases your risk of developing diseases like norovirus and Vibrio vulnificus. Avoid this food except when thoroughly cooked.
Raw Flour Products
Raw cookie dough and other flour-based products may seem harmless but contain harmful bacteria. Flour is typically not treated to kill bacteria, so eating it raw puts you at risk of food poisoning. Even though it’s tempting, resist the urge to sneak bites of raw dough while dining out.
Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings may be the go-to appetizer but are often deep-fried and coated in a high-calorie sauce. A serving of just six wings has an unhealthy amount of calories, making them a wrong choice. If you’re craving wings, opt for grilled or baked alternatives instead.
Pre-Packaged Salads
Pre-packaged salads seem convenient and healthy, but they could potentially be contaminated with bacteria. These salads often contain raw vegetables that can carry harmful pathogens. It’s best to order freshly made salads or make your own at home.
Sushi
Sushi is a popular dish, but choose wisely when ordering. Raw fish may contain parasites and bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Look for reputable sushi restaurants that follow proper food safety protocols and ask about the freshness of their ingredients.
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Soft-serve ice cream is laden with sugar, fat, and calories, with a large serving reaching up to 500 calories and 20 grams of fat. Additionally, the risk of contamination is higher due to numerous customers’ frequent contact with the machine’s spout. For a healthier dessert option, consider choosing sorbet or frozen yogurt.
Chicken Sashimi
Chicken sashimi is a dish in which raw chicken is thinly sliced and served with soy sauce. It has gained popularity recently but is not recommended by health experts. Raw chicken increases the risk of Salmonella, which can cause severe food poisoning.
Ready-to-Eat Meats
Ready-to-eat meats like deli meats and hot dogs are convenient but highly contaminated. These processed meats are often high in sodium and preservatives, which can increase the risk of heart disease. If you’re dining out, look for freshly prepared meat options instead of pre-packaged ones.
Bread Basket
A bread basket looks harmless but can add unnecessary calories and carbs to your meal. Restaurant bread is often high in refined flour and added sugars, making it unhealthy. If you want to enjoy some bread with your meal, choose whole-grain options or ask for olive oil instead of butter.
Fried Rice Dishes
Fried rice dishes may seem safe and delicious, but they are high in sodium and unhealthy fats. The oil used to cook the rice is often reused multiple times, making it high in trans fats. Instead, opt for steamed rice or request minimal oil usage when ordering fried rice.
Bottled Ketchup on a Table
Although it may be tempting to use the bottled ketchup on your table, avoid it at all costs. Many customers handle the bottles, which are rarely cleaned or sanitized, so they can become contaminated with bacteria. Request individually wrapped ketchup packets instead.
Unpasteurized Cheese
Unpasteurized cheese from raw milk can harbor harmful bacteria such as listeria. These bacteria may lead to food poisoning, with symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and chills. To ensure safety, choose pasteurized cheeses or avoid the dish if its origin is uncertain.
Soup Specials
Soup specials often contain low-quality ingredients and processed foods, leading to high sodium and unhealthy fat content. Cream-based soups are especially concerning due to their saturated fat levels. It’s advisable to order soup only if you’re sure it’s made with fresh ingredients.
Anything You Could Make Yourself
Many restaurant dishes can be easily prepared at home, making considering both cost and potential contamination risks worthwhile before ordering. If a dish is within your culinary skills, it might be wise to skip it when dining out. This approach helps reduce calorie intake and saves money over time.
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