Sun, Surf… and Salmonella? What to Watch for at Seafood Buffets This Summer

Buffet Safety Tips for Beachgoers and Big Families

As summer heats up and families flock to the coasts for sun, surf, and seafood, buffet-style dining becomes an easy go-to—especially for large groups with diverse tastes. But with beachside restaurants often spotlighting seafood buffets, it’s even more important to be food-safe savvy.

Here’s how to enjoy your vacation eats without taking home unwanted stomach bugs:

Big Families = Big Risks

• Young kids and older adults are more vulnerable to foodborne illness.
• When dining with a large group, try to be the eyes and ears for everyone—especially when little ones grab food independently.

Beach Buffets Need Extra Vigilance

• Warm, humid environments accelerate bacterial growth.
• Ask staff about how often food is rotated or replaced—freshness is key, especially with shellfish and salads.

Seafood Buffets: Proceed with Caution

• Seafood’s fragile shelf life makes it a top foodborne illness risk.
• Only consume chilled seafood that’s kept on plentiful ice or piping-hot dishes fresh from the kitchen.
• Avoid anything that looks sweaty, wilted, or has a strong fishy odor.

Bring Hand Sanitizer

• Buffets mean lots of shared utensils and surfaces. Keep sanitizer handy and make it fun—maybe a beach-scented one the kids love!

Watch for Warning Signs

• Slow turnover on dishes
• Lukewarm “hot” items
• Dirty sneeze guards or messy serving stations

If it looks questionable, it probably is. Better safe than sunburned and sick.