Beware of These 10 Filthy Restaurant Items

Dining out can be a delightful experience, but have you ever wondered about the hidden germs lurking in your favorite restaurant? From menus to condiments, many items you encounter might not be as clean as you think. Here's a look at the 10 dirtiest things you touch when dining out.

1. Menus

Menus are handled by countless patrons daily but rarely sanitized. They are a breeding ground for bacteria, making them one of the dirtiest items in any restaurant. Good Morning America conducted an investigation swabbing various items on the tables of 12 restaurants, finding that menus were the most contaminated, with an average of 185,000 bacteria.

2. Condiment Bottles

Condiment bottles like ketchup and mustard are often left on tables and touched by numerous hands. These bottles can harbor harmful germs, especially since they may not be cleaned on a regular basis.

3. Salad Bar Thongs

Salad tongs are sneaky germ collectors, often handled by countless diners and rarely cleaned between uses. This frequent touching turns them into hidden health risks lurking at the salad bar.

4. Bathroom Door Handles

While it might seem obvious, bathroom door handles are hotspots for germs. Even if a restaurant's restroom is cleaned regularly, by dinner time, it is very possible that it is filthy again.

5. Table Surfaces

Though tables are typically wiped down between diners, the rags used can spread germs if not regularly sanitized or changed. This practice can turn a seemingly clean table into a bacteria-ridden surface. If your food hits the table, wave goodbye and move on!

6. Salt and Pepper Shakers

Salt and pepper shakers are essential dining tools but are often overlooked during cleaning routines. These shakers can be some of the dirtiest items on the table, with bacteria easily transferred from hand to hand.

7. Ice Machines

If not properly maintained, ice machines can be a hidden source of bacteria. They can harbor mold and bacteria, contaminating the ice that ends up in your drinks. An investigation into fast food restaurants in the U.S. revealed that 70% of ice machines' ice had higher bacteria levels than toilet water.

8. Lemon Wedges

Lemon wedges might look like a harmless addition to your drink, but they can be surprisingly dirty. Studies show that these popular garnishes are often teeming with bacteria, thanks to frequent handling with bare hands and inadequate washing – lemon wedges rank among the dirtiest items in a restaurant!

9. Bathroom Floors

Restaurant bathroom floors are infamously grimy, thanks to the nonstop foot traffic and frequent spills. Shockingly, these public restroom floors can harbor around 2 million bacteria per square inch, making them a significant health concern.

10. Restroom Faucets

What's the first thing you reach for after using the toilet? The sink faucet, of course. Here's a smart hack: after washing your hands, grab a paper towel to dry them, then use it to turn off the faucet and open the door. Keep the door propped open with your leg while you toss the towel into the trash, ensuring your hands stay germ-free with no direct contact.

Next time you enjoy a meal out, remember these tips to stay healthy and germ-free!

References: These Are The 11 Dirtiest Things In Every Restaurant | Going to out to eat can be a dirty job: Here are the 10 dirtiest things found in restaurants