Restaurant lemon wedges may look fresh and harmless, but they can be handled by multiple people and surfaces before reaching your glass. Some studies have found that lemon garnishes served in restaurants can carry various microorganisms, highlighting potential hygiene concerns with fruit that is handled without utensils or protective measures.
Because diners cannot control how garnishes are prepared, one simple option is to skip the lemon in your drink. Asking for plain water avoids adding an item that may have been handled during preparation and serving, while washing your hands before eating remains an important everyday hygiene habit.
If you enjoy lemon water, preparing it at home gives you greater control over how the fruit, utensils, and glass are cleaned. A small request such as “water, no lemon” can be an easy way to reduce unnecessary exposure to potentially contaminated garnishes when dining out.
