One of the most vile things I have ever seen

[Divia]

So I went to a local gelato place. It was good when I went before and I wanted to go back again.

I stepped into the store wearing a yellow shirt (so its not hard to miss me) and I stood there while the lady behind the counter was packing gelato into a container. Then I saw it...she stuck her finger in the gelato and ate it. :eek: At first I wasnt sure what I had seen because her back was too me. Then she put the container into the cooler and stuck her finger in the gelato AGAIN! I was horrified, but I waited to see if she noticed me. She put another container into the cooler AND THEN...stuck TWO fingers in the gelato made a huge sweeping motion got a big ol gob on her fingers and put it in her mouth. :eek:

Then she said to me. "Oh I didn't see you there."

Me: "Obviously."

Lady: "What would you like?"

Me: "Nothing now." and I walked out.

I was shocked and sickened. The place is soooo clean but if she does that out on the floor what the hell is she doing in the back when no one can see her? And I think she's the owners wife! My parents said I shoudl call them and complain...but if its the owners wife what is he going to do. Tell her "honey stop eating the gelato?"

[Misfit]

Good gravy, that's disgusting. I hope you report it to the health department. I have to wonder why she's not wearing the standard rubber gloves that one sees most food handlers wearing these days. One of my co-workers went up to pick up an order at the local Taco del you know what and saw one of the gals sitting (!!!!!) on the food prep table.

That's more gross health wise than you might think. I didn't realize it until I took first aid class but while AIDS dies on contact with the air, other things like Hep C do not and are easily transmitted to another person. The first thing they teach you before attempting CPR, etc. is to protect yourself from exposure. All you need is a scratch on your hand to be in contact with the blood/vomit or other body fluids of someone with Hep and you've got a good chance of getting it yourself.

I kid you not, years ago we had a bus go off a bridge and some of the good samaritans who went in and helped with first aid and more than one came back with a case of Hep C. Food for thought.

[Mara]

I'd complain about it too. Fair enough if she took an unused spoon to a container but to dig your hands into it like a 5 yr old? Hmmm...

[pat]

Makes you wonder what goes on behind closed doors.

Complain. Loudly.

[Telynor]

That's horrible. (shudders) Do report it, that is a definite health hazard.

[Carine]

Urghh how disgusting, I don't think I would EVER go back there !!

[Divia]

Urghh how disgusting, I don't think I would EVER go back there !!

Yeah I can't..not now. I mean I know what happens. Do they also do this when they are making the gelato? Test it first then put the spoon back in.

[Carine]

Yeah I can't..not now. I mean I know what happens. Do they also do this when they are making the gelato? Test it first then put the spoon back in.

Gosh yeah,who knows ! The more you think about it the worse it gets !

[sweetpotatoboy]

The truth is that if we saw everything that happened in stores and restaurants, we probably wouldn't eat or buy anything anywhere. I have seen some stomach-turning documentaries.

BUT, if you saw this, you should report it to the store's owner at the very least. If you are removing your custom, they should know why.

[donroc]

After watching a few Chef Ramsey shows, I have concluded it may be best to inspect the kitchen of a restaurant before one dines there.

There have been food poisonings affecting hundreds at the most elegant hotel in Palm Beach as well as at smaller lesser known restaurants in Palm Beach country.

That is one reason I like to sit at the counter of an open kitchen and not only for the sanitary thing. It is like being at the ballet to watch a team of cooks weave through their stations without bumping into each other.

In San Francisco, my mother would not eat chicken in any restaurant until she was in her 40s. Her father was a Schochet, Jewish ritual chicken slaughterer, and she told me that when she was a girl helping him, Chinese restaurant owners often came to the store (1912-1929) and asked if they had any sick chickens to be purchased at a lower price.

[Melisende]

Working in the food industry - you would be amazed at exactly what goes on in the kitchens of some of your local cafes / bistros / restaurants - you wouldn't eat out again! EVER!

[pat]

A lot of the food industry is good. We should not tar all with the same brush!

[Divia]

I worked as a prep and line cook for 5 years. I know what happens, but to see that out on the floor? Typically bad behavior takes place in the back.