Went to a farmer's market in Portland last weekend and every single booth had tasting spoons just sitting out in the open

Not one of them had a sneeze guard or even a person watching the samples. I get that it's a casual outdoor thing but after working 8 years in kitchens I couldn't stop staring at how easy it would be for someone to cough or touch things. Am I just paranoid from kitchen training or has anyone else noticed this at their local markets?

2 comments

2 Comments

robinson.leo2d ago

Tasting spoons just sitting out in the open" - that's basically a free for all for every germ in Portland. I've never worked in a kitchen but even I know that's asking for trouble. Someone could sneeze from three booths away and still cover half of those samples. Honestly, if I see a spoon that's been sitting there longer than 30 seconds I assume at least two people have already breathed on it or touched it with their dirty hands. The farmer's market is trusting way too much in the kindness of strangers.

nathan1931d ago

Man, it drives me nuts too. What worked for me was just asking the vendor directly if they could make me a fresh sample. Most of them are cool about it, especially if you just say you're a bit particular about germs. Some of the nicer ones will even offer to wash the spoon or grab a new one once they see you're serious. I also try to hit the busy markets right when they open, because then the samples haven't been sitting out long. Honestly, it's a small hassle but beats eating something that's been breathed on by a dozen strangers.