A lemon wedge in your restaurant water may look fresh and harmless, but it can be handled by multiple people before it reaches your glass. Some studies have reported that restaurant lemon wedges can carry various microbes, raising concerns about hygiene when fruit is prepared and served without direct contact controls such as gloves or utensils.

While you cannot control every surface or food-handling practice in a restaurant, you can make simple choices to reduce unnecessary exposure. If you are concerned about the hygiene of garnishes, consider ordering your water without a lemon wedge and washing your hands thoroughly before eating.

If you enjoy lemon water, preparing it at home gives you more control over how the fruit, glass, and other utensils are cleaned. A simple request like “just water, no lemon” can be an easy way to avoid an unnecessary garnish while still enjoying your meal.