by Gordon Hamilton

Created on: June 10, 2009

The health risks of eating at restaurants are unfortunately numerous and very real. If we were to stop and consider all of them, the chances are that we would never eat at a restaurant again, unless it happened to be one which we knew very well indeed, perhaps run by friends or close acquaintances. It is important, however, that we should be aware of the biggest health risks of eating at restaurants and any and all ways in which we may minimise them if not entirely avoid them.

The most obvious health risks of eating at restaurants which people are perhaps likely to consider today are those associated with eating at fast food restaurants. So much is being made in all aspects of the media regarding the dangers of fast food and its regular consumption to our health. We are warned against obesity, heart disease, certain forms of cancer and yet still so many people eat at fast food restaurants several times a week. Is it perhaps the case that some people do not believe or realise the severity of the risks associated with this practise? Perhaps they simply do not care? Anyone in any doubt of the dangers in this respect should invest a little time in research and they will soon find that the dangers are not only very real but very profound.

The less obvious but potentially even more severe health risks of eating at restaurants are those associated with hygiene and specifically food hygiene. Regardless of how plush and inviting the restaurant in which we choose to eat may appear, the reality is that we are extremely unlikely to see the kitchen or have any knowledge of what goes on there. Reality TV shows in particular have shown some horrific examples of a lack of any attention to hygiene in restaurant kitchens, often when the eating area itself seems very clean.

The hygiene - or rather lack of same - in a restaurant kitchen can take several forms. It can take the form of the kitchen not being cleaned properly and dirt, mouse droppings or simple stale and congealed food being found in abundance. It can take the form of food not being stored properly or being kept for too long. It can take the form of the chefs or cooks not observing personal hygiene procedures, such as simply washing their hands as often as required. All of these factors present the opportunity for germs and bacteria to get in to the food which can subsequently have a very rapid and severe effect on the health of the diner.

The health risks of eating at restaurants are therefore something which we should be aware of and guard against to the best of our abilities, without allowing them to spoil the pleasure that is frequently to be had from enjoying a fine restaurant meal.

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