The Shocking Truth About Lemon Water in Restaurants
Imagine this: you walk into a nice restaurant, sit down, and the waiter asks if you’d like your water still, sparkling, or with lemon. Lemon water is often praised for its health benefits, but here’s a surprising fact: ordering it at restaurants might not be as safe as you think. Let’s dive into why.
The Hidden Danger in Your Lemon Water
A surprising investigation by ABC News uncovered a disturbing truth about lemon water in restaurants. They found that lemon slices at ten different restaurants were often contaminated with bacteria. Shockingly, half of the lemons tested had traces of human feces. Yes, you read that right. So, how does this contamination happen?
How Does Lemon Contamination Occur?
ABC News discovered that restaurant staff often handle lemons with their bare hands, without using gloves or tongs. If someone doesn’t wash their hands properly after using the restroom, they can transfer bacteria to the lemons. This means the bacteria can end up in your drink.
A Closer Look: How Common Is Bacteria on Lemons?
Further investigation took a look at 76 lemons from 21 different restaurants. The results, published in the Journal of Environmental Health, were shocking: almost 70% of the lemons were contaminated with various strains of bacteria and germs, including E. coli, which can cause serious infections and health problems.
How to Stay Safe in Restaurants
Now that you know about the hidden bacteria in lemon water at restaurants, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some simple tips:
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
- Skip the Lemon: To be safe, consider ordering plain water instead of lemon water.
- At Home is Best: If you love lemon water, it’s safest to enjoy it at home where you can ensure the lemons are clean.
Remember, a glass of plain water at home is probably your best bet for avoiding unwanted bacteria.
