Because no one wants food poisoning on vacation.
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There’s nothing like vacations with friends or family. They can be fun and life-changing experiences. Booking accommodations is always an important part when traveling. You want to make sure that you have the best destination, flight, lodging, and food. Amidst all the planning, you happen to stumble upon a hotel deal that includes free breakfast. You are stoked because that can save money on at least one meal of the day. Plus, the free breakfast is a buffet, so it is all you can eat. What could be bad about all that? Unfortunately, this convenient amenity could turn into a nightmare.
There’s nothing more inconvenient than being sick on vacation. Trust me! I once got food poisoning at a hotel in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Let’s just say, my trip was not full of chocolate and fun. There are certain foods at breakfast buffets that are more susceptible to contamination, and substandard quality. The following are foods that you should avoid at breakfast buffets to reduce your chances of getting food-borne illness.
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The Worst Foods to Choose From the Buffet
Eggs
This is a bummer because eggs are the poster child for American breakfast. Unfortunately, the eggs cooked for buffets tend to be of horrible quality. Many hotels use powdered eggs as opposed to fresh eggs. This is a cheaper way to make large amounts of scrambled eggs to feed a lot of guests at once. Powdered eggs are not the same as fresh eggs. They tend to have a weird texture, taste, and even color. Another issue with eggs is the fact they are cooked ahead of time. This means that eggs could be sitting for a long time in dangerous temperatures. According to the FDA, eggs should be served immediately after cooking to avoid food-borne illness. You may not have any idea how long the eggs have been sitting. It is wise to see who is making the eggs, therefore, omelet stations are usually the best choice.
Meats
Ever heard the saying, “Everyone loves bacon?” I am more of a sausage guy, but I digress. Breakfast meats prepared for buffets can be very unsanitary. Not only can the meat be held at dangerous temperatures, but the quality is also just bad. They are usually dry, unseasoned, and dull.
Melon
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A bowl of fruit is always a healthy start to the day. However, fruit that hasn’t been handled properly, like pre-cut melon, can be risky to eat. Cantaloupe specifically, can carry salmonella.
Quiche
This is similar to the egg problem (since quiche is essentially eggs with a crust). It can cause some GI issues if not handled correctly. Also, quiches at buffets may be dry, un-flavorful, and have seen better days.
Waffles
The best part of any breakfast buffet is the waffle station. The idea of pouring your own batter in a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it, waiting for that green light to signify it’s done, and adding toppings is magical. I hate to bring bad news, but the waffle station should be avoided. According to TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, that waffle batter is usually old and sour. Instead of throwing it out, new batter is added to the old. Yikes!
Best Bets From the Buffet
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Picking pre-packaged items is your best bet. This includes single-serving yogurt, pudding, and fruit cups. Just make sure to check the expiration date. Oh yes, I have run into expired yogurt cups before. Honestly, if it’s an option, I would skip the breakfast buffet entirely. You don’t want to risk it.
