Never Add Lemon Wedges To Your Beverage Again – Here’s Why

It is no secret that lemon wedges and slices complement many beverages. Chic-Fil-A is famous for adding lemon wedges to their Sunjoy drink, a delicious 50/50 blend of freshly-brewed iced tea and classic lemonade. 

The health benefits of lemons include improving digestion, reducing cancer risk, preventing kidney stones, controlling weight, preventing anemia, and supporting heart health. Sliced lemons are also great for enhancing the flavor of water and other beverages. 

Did you know that the lemon slices at your favorite restaurants may not be as clean as you’d like? In addition to improving the taste of your drinks, lemons also increase your exposure to germs. 

There are approximately 25 types of germs on restaurant lemon wedges, including fecal matter, E.Coli, and raw meat contamination, according to GoodHousekeeping.com. 

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While you may be curious about how fecal matter could be present on the rinds and pulps of lemons, there are numerous reasons for contamination. Due to their tiny pores, lemons, and other citrus are more likely to embed bacteria. Lemons should therefore be cleaned and scrubbed before slicing. All restaurants may not do this, however. 

In addition, the restaurant staff may not be washing their hands properly after restroom breaks. Additionally, food handlers may not always wear clean gloves. Combining this with the possibility of using the same cutting boards and knives for fresh produce and meat can lead to contamination. 

While there have not been any illness outbreaks linked to dirty lemons in drinks, you may want to think twice before requesting fresh lemon slices. If you need an alternative to sprucing up restaurant beverages, I suggest keeping lemon juice packets in your purse or pocket, as recommended by Prevention.com. 

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