At first bite, buffets offer an enticing experience with their grand selection of foods and no one stopping you from going back and getting your fourth plate. It is a dream for hungry diners, especially during the Thanksgiving season. Indulgence is practically encouraged! However, without some awareness, that freedom can take a dangerous turn and leave you in harm’s way.
Thanksgiving Buffet Hazards
Breeding Place for Bacteria
Buffets often have food sitting out for long periods of time. This makes it challenging to maintain safe temperatures, keeping hot foods above 140°F and cold foods below 40°F. When these standards slip, harmful bacteria like salmonella can grow quickly, putting you or a loved one at risk of getting sick.
Cross Contamination and Allergens
Buffets involve many people handling shared utensils and serving themselves from open food trays. Risk of allergens or viruses can be easily transferred from, one food item to the surface of another.
Choking Hazards
In some cases, staff may fail to properly remove bones, pits, or other hard objects from food, putting your family or friends at serious risk of choking. While guests are responsible for how fast they eat, improper food prep is a preventable hazard that can fall on the buffet staff.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Spilled drinks are common in buffet environments. However, when staff members forget to place proper signage to warn customers, what starts as a minor slip and fall can escalate into a serious injury.
Burns from Hot Trays
Trays and serving dishes can become extremely hot. If staff fail to provide clear warning signage or verbally alert guests, they create a hazardous environment. Your loved ones can then unknowingly touch hot surfaces and suffer painful burns.
Broken Dishes or Sharp Utensils
During busy times like Thanksgiving, when large crowds are coming through, the upkeep of dishes and utensils can sometimes be overlooked. Even awkwardly placed utensils and be a risk and cause accidental cuts to guests.
How Fielding Law Can Help
When negligence plays a role in food handling, poor maintenance, or failure to warn customers of hazards, the consequences can be serious. Depending on your situation, the buffet may be legally responsible for harm caused. At Fielding Law we understand how it can be overwhelming to deal with an injury caused by unsafe conditions. That is why we are here to help you understand your rights and walk you through the legal process. If you or a loved one has suffered due to unsafe conditions at a buffet contact us at 888.SHARK for your free consultation today.
Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.
