Navigating the menu at your local diner can be challenging, especially when it comes to food safety and quality. Understanding what to avoid is essential for a satisfying dining experience. Here are the key foods to skip on your next diner visit
1. Pasta
Craving carbs can be tempting, but avoid ordering pasta at diners unless it’s their specialty. Most diners use mass-produced canned sauces, which means you might end up with a bland dish that you could have made at home for a fraction of the price. Stick to diner specialties that aren’t just reheated from a can.
2. Soup or Chili
Similar to pasta, many diners serve industrially produced soups and chili. The effort involved in preparing these from scratch is often skipped, leading to mediocre quality. Choose fresh alternatives from the menu to save both money and disappointment.
3. Salads
Salads at diners often consist of sad, hastily put-together ingredients, frequently topped with cheap store-bought dressings. For a better dining experience, consider ordering salads from establishments known for their fresh ingredients or, even better, whip up your own at home.
4. Alfalfa Sprouts
Beware of alfalfa sprouts. They’re notorious for carrying foodborne illnesses like salmonella, especially after a recent outbreak linked to contaminated sprouts in 2022. The warm, humid conditions in which they grow are prime breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Prioritize your health by steering clear of these sprouts.
5. Scrambled Eggs
Diners often serve scrambled eggs made from powdered mixes rather than fresh eggs. These mixes can contain additives, and if you have gluten sensitivities, you could unknowingly ingest gluten. Opt for fresh, prepared-to-order eggs at establishments that take their breakfast offerings seriously.
6. Poached Eggs
While customizing your order to include poached eggs is great, it's also demanding for the cooks in busy environments. If the diner is crowded, the likelihood of receiving poorly prepared eggs increases, which is a gamble not worth taking.
7. Cream Pastries
Cream-filled pastries may seem delightful, but they pose a risk for staph food poisoning. Certain cases linked to improperly handled desserts have resulted in numerous illnesses. Exercise caution with desserts that contain cream and are stored without proper temperature control.
8. Seafood Dishes
Caution is key when it comes to ordering seafood. Non-specialty diners often lack the facilities to properly handle raw seafood like oysters, which can carry the vibrio bacteria. These pathogens can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. If you have a seafood craving, make sure to choose cooked options only.
9. Burgers
Ordering a burger at a diner brings potential risks related to undercooked meat. A study revealed that ground beef can harbor bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, which can lead to foodborne illness. If you must order a burger, consider asking for it to be well-cooked to minimize health risks.
10. Meatloaf
While comfort food is appealing, meatloaf can be a gamble, especially in diners. Its thick consistency can lead to undercooked portions harboring bacteria. Opt for other meals that are less likely to pose a health risk.
11. Deli Sandwiches
Lastly, consider avoiding deli sandwiches, which may use ingredients that have been sitting around longer than desired. Quality and freshness should take precedence when choosing your meal, so look for a menu that emphasizes fresh ingredients.
By understanding these diner food safety tips, you can enjoy your meal while safeguarding your health and budget. Remember, not all diners are created equal, and being mindful of what to order can lead to a more satisfying culinary experience.