When we dine out, we often trust that the food served is not only delicious but also safe to eat. While most restaurants strive to meet food safety standards, there are still critical areas that can be overlooked, even in highly rated establishments. These hidden gaps in food safety practices can lead to foodborne illnesses, customer complaints, and even lawsuits.
1. Inadequate Handwashing
Handwashing is the single most important step in preventing the spread of foodborne pathogens , yet it remains one of the most neglected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), improper handwashing is responsible for nearly 89% of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurants . Employees may rush through the process, skip soap, or fail to wash after touching money, raw food, or