Every time you eat out, you trust the restaurant’s food safety practices. Yet, foodborne illnesses affect 600 million people globally each year, causing 420,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). From mild stomach upset to severe infections, unsafe food can ruin more than just a meal. While regulations exist, consumers also play a crucial role in protecting themselves.
As a Food Safety and Quality Manager with over a decade of experience in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry, I have seen firsthand the impact of both proper and improper food safety practices. This guide provides essential tips to help you reduce your risk while dining out, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Choose Reputable Restaurants
✓Check online reviews for food safety complaints.
✓Look for regulatory certifications (e.g., NAFDAC, State Ministries of Health, SON).
✓Trust recommendations from safety-conscious friends or industry professionals.
Observe Cleanliness
✓Are tables, restrooms, and menus clean and well-maintained?
✓Can you see the kitchen? Are staff following hygiene rules?
✓Do employees wear clean uniforms and wash hands often?
Watch Food Handling
✓Do staff change gloves and wash hands properly?
✓Are raw and cooked foods stored separately?
✓Is cross-contamination prevented?
Be Cautious with High-Risk Foods
✓Avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs.
✓Choose pasteurized dairy.
✓Be mindful of raw sprouts and leafy greens, which can carry bacteria.
Check Food Temperature
✓Hot food should be steaming (above 60°C).
✓Cold food should stay chilled (below 4°C).
✓Buffets and salad bars must maintain safe temperatures.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
✓Use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods.
✓Avoid touching food with bare hands.
✓Be cautious with shared condiments.
Trust Your Senses
✓Send back food that smells, looks, or tastes off.
✓Your health matters more than being polite.

Food Safety in Nigeria: A Shared Responsibility
In Nigeria, food safety agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, and the Federal Ministry of Health play a crucial role in setting hygiene standards for food establishments.

However, consumers must also stay informed and make conscious decisions to protect their health.

By following these simple but effective steps, you can dine out safely and minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Food safety is a shared responsibility—stay informed, stay safe.