8 Smart Tips for Clean and Safe Dining Out

By Sahr Ahmed

Eating out is one of the small pleasures in life. It could be trying a new cuisine, celebrating a special occasion, or just taking a break from cooking. For some, though, the experience is marred by hygiene and food safety concerns. If you are worried about hygiene but still want to enjoy eating out, here are some practical tips to help you make safer choices.

Research the Restaurant

Doing your homework before stepping out can make a big difference.

1. Check Online Reviews and Health Scores: 

Look up the restaurant's online reviews and health inspection scores. Many local health departments publish inspection reports on their websites, providing insights into a restaurant's adherence to hygiene standards.

• Avoid Repeated Complaints: If you see a trend of complaints on cleanliness, it is best to go around. Complaints about dirty bathrooms, tables, or unhygienic food preparation can be red flags.

• Taking time to do some research can save you the trouble of an unpalatable experience.

2. Observe the Environment

The first impression of entering a restaurant often gives a broad idea about the standards of hygiene maintained.

• Check the Dining Area: Take a look at the floors, the tables, and the general structure. One of the reasons why a dining area might look really clean is that it represents a restaurant as hygienic.

• Check the Bathrooms: Clean restrooms indicate that the staff caters to cleanliness inside and out.

• Pay attention to the way the staff treats food. Do they use gloves? Do they wash their hands quite frequently? Hygiene in handling food is essential for food safety.

If the surroundings are messy, it is wise to select a different location.

3. Choose Trusted Chains or Established Restaurants

No restaurant is completely protected from hygiene violations, but many trusted chains and established restaurants live up to expectations.

• Consistency in Standards: Larger chains always follow standardized regulations for food preparation, storage, and service.

• Accountability: Established restaurants have a much higher scrutiny placed on them both by customers and health authorities as well, to maintain high standards of hygiene.

Sometimes familiarity brings comfort, and in terms of cleanliness, familiarity can offer a certain comfort.

4. Open Kitchen

An open kitchen offers an idea of transparency; you will get to know exactly how your food is prepared.

• In-Sight About Cleanliness: The open kitchen lets you get an idea about the hygiene practiced by the staff members and what is the cooking area like.

You feel at ease with how your meal is being prepared.

This is especially helpful for those who consider visibility and reassurance.

5. Do not eat at Buffets or Self-Serve Stations

Buffets and self-serve stations can offer variety but they also raise hygiene concerns.

• Risk of Cross-Contamination: Utensils are frequently touched by various people, making them more probable to be contaminated.

• Temperature Control Issues: Foods left out for a long period are not kept at the right temperature, which is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Opt for freshly cooked dishes that are served individually to ensure cleanliness.

6. Make it Simple

The less complicated your order, the less likely to be contaminated.

• Choose Cooked Foods: Grilled foods, stir-fries, and other cooked foods require minimal handling.

• Avoid Complex Food: Food that is difficult to prepare or needs a lot of steps to complete may have higher chances of contamination.

Keeping things simple can improve the safety and flavor of your meal.

7. Ask Questions

Do not be afraid to ask about the source of food and preparation.

• Ask about ingredients: Inquire about the source of the restaurant's ingredients and their adherence to food safety standards.

• Check Cooking Practices: Inquire about cooking methods and know if they are using any additional hygiene measures in preparation.

A good restaurant would be transparent with your concerns, so do not hesitate to ask for information.

8. An Eye on the Plate

Sometimes, your plate can tell a lot about how safe your food is.

• Temperature Matters: Hot food should be served hot, and cold food should be served cold. Lukewarm dishes can indicate improper storage or preparation.

• Look for Red Flags: Unusual odors, textures, or colors could signal that something is off. Trust your instincts if something doesn't seem right.

Being observant can help you avoid potential issues before they escalate.

Final Thoughts

Dining out doesn't need to be overwhelming, even for those who are concerned about sanitation. Taking just a few simple precautions can go a long way in helping one enjoy their meal with more comfort. From the research of the restaurants and environmental observation to taking simpler dishes or asking questions, these steps could make eating out safe and also enjoyable.

Remember, food safety is your responsibility too. Though restaurants have to maintain hygiene standards, being informed and vigilant yourself will make you a better diner. So, feel free to explore new flavors and cuisines, and enjoy the experience of dining out safely!