Potlucks—some adore them, while others can’t stand the thought. Personally, I find myself torn. My friends and family whip up some impressive potluck meals, pouring effort into crafting delectable spreads. Because I know their kitchens and hygiene practices are top-notch, I feel completely at ease diving into their culinary creations.
However, when it comes to work lunches, church gatherings, or buffet-style events, my comfort level plummets. The thought of food prepared by someone I don’t know—and in a kitchen I’m unfamiliar with—makes me uneasy. Just consider the infamous image of a cat lounging on the counter while a woman prepares a meal; or the disturbing sight of potato salad being mixed in a dirty sink instead of a bowl.
People can be truly unhygienic.
Recently, I browsed through comments on a humorous article about potlucks, and my trepidation about community meals only intensified. One comment mentioned the possibility of a potluck disaster involving food poisoning. Another shared a story that ended in utter chaos.
The very next day, I experienced my own food handling horror. My family and I attended a local fall festival where cotton candy was being sold for a mere quarter. After buying some, I approached the vendor, only to be horrified by the sight of his hands—glistening with what I quickly realized was saliva. He was licking the candy off his fingers and putting it back onto the cones with his slimy hands. I was too shocked to react, ultimately tossing the contaminated treats in the trash and opting for some lollipops instead. My boys took it in stride, but I felt nauseated for hours afterward.
If you look around, you’ll find an abundance of potluck, buffet, and food service horror stories out there. Almost anywhere food is served, you can bet something unsavory is happening. For instance, one person recounted a church potluck where an attendee loudly inquired about missing sandwiches, only to reveal a long earring dangling from a tuna salad. Another shared how a woman brought leftover Thanksgiving turkey to a December potluck—yikes!
And it doesn’t just end there. A friend witnessed a fellow diner at a potluck pick their nose before rummaging through the sandwich platter with bare hands. To make matters worse, they sneezed all over a pizza.
Even at catered events, things can go awry. One individual shared their experience of working for a caterer at a birthday party where drunk guests began eating directly from the buffet trays. Another story described a wedding where flies infested a chocolate fountain set up outdoors in sweltering heat.
It appears that this isn’t just a potluck issue; it’s a human issue. Even establishments that are supposed to be sanitary can fall short. One woman recounted a visit to a buffet where an elderly man helped himself to popcorn shrimp with his bare hands—certainly not the etiquette one expects!
While I cherish sharing meals with loved ones, I find myself reconsidering my participation in community meals, salad bars, or buffets. The potential for disgusting surprises in a spread of stranger-made dishes is just too great.
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In summary, while I may enjoy potlucks with friends and family, the horror stories of community meals and buffets have left me wary of ever indulging in them again.