Salad Question

Is there a difference between buying a prepared salad and getting a salad at a cold salad bar? Is it because of the lettuce/mix ins sitting out at the salad bar?

I'm just a little confused on the whole salad thing. My OB told me not to eat cold salad bars because I wouldn't know how long the food had been sitting out and how well it was washed. So what about places in NYC like Metro/Pax/Manga where you order your salad and they mix in the toppings. Are these off limits too since they sit in the glass display?

Then what about salads from McDonald's & Wendy's?

I might be taking this too extreme; but I really want a salad for lunch and I can't figure out the safest place to get one from. I'll have to stop by the store tonight to pick up my own lettuce for tomorrow's lunch.

TIA

Re: Salad Question

I would think you're fine at all of the places you listed because there's lots of turnover. I would be wary of those delis that have a hot/cold salad bar that is self-serve (and usually open 24/7 - eiww). That's just my thought.

Re: Salad Question

I was just going to say the same thing as the PP. When I go into Metro during the lunch rush all of the mix ins are usually refilled within 5-10 minutes.

Re: Salad Question

Not to mention the places you listed have employees handling the food, not customers. There are a lot of germs in salad bars!

Re: Salad Question

I get the fresh mix-in salads all the time...it's such high volume and nothing sits too long. BUT there is always a chance salad greens are not washed well (a risk of eating out)...I think that's better than eating something that's been sitting out or customer may have coughed on or something!

Re: Salad Question

Anytime you eat out at a salad bar, fancy restaurant, greesy spoon, whatever- you never know if the employees wash veggies, keep food at proper temps, wash their hands or cross-contaminate foods. I think it's fine as long as it's from a reputable place with high turnover and you see them with gloves, etc.

I'd be more worried about a grocery store salad bar or somewhere like Ruby Tuesday where people touch and sneeze on things.

Message edited 6/11/2012 12:14:35 PM.

Re: Salad Question

The thing with salad bars is the risk of Listeria. Which can find its way into salad bars and buffets.

You'd be fine with salads at the other places though.