With the current emphasis on fitness and the implementation of healthy eating plans, many people have become salad bar enthusiasts.

While there are many good things to be said about increasing one’s consumption of fruits and vegetables, there are some potential hazards to salad bars as well.

Many weight-conscious individuals dive into salad bars believing they are eating a nutritional yet low-calorie meal.

However, keep in mind that “healthy” and “low-calorie” are not necessarily synonymous. Be aware of which items on the salad bar are low in calories and fat.

Another issue to be considered is cleanliness and contamination.

Beware of salad bars where you observe people touching or spilling food, licking their fingers, placing their heads under the shields, eating in line, etc.

People can become sick from indulging in salad bar fare. Look for salad bars which are well-refrigerated, have a shield and look clean.

Avoid lukewarm food items, as they are conducive to the growth of microorganisms which may cause disease. Beware of food that spoils easily such as tuna salad, dairy products and poultry.

Spoon your food from the bottom of its container; the temperature at the bottom, near the ice, is colder and should be safer.

Physicians recommend that people with asthma watch for salad bar items treated with sulfite preservatives.

An estimated 10 percent of the 10 million asthmatics in the United States are sensitive to sulfites and may experience an asthma attack upon eating treated foods.

Even nonasthmatics can be sulfite sensitive and may experience diarrhea, headaches, dizziness and fainting.

The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this problem. As of August 8, 1986, sulfites may no longer be used on raw fruits and vegetables.

However, the FDA ban does not necessarily eliminate sulfites in other common salad bar items such as potato and shrimp salads, canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruit and picked vegetables and olives.

When eating out, feel free to inquire about the possibility of sulfite use.

When sulfite use is not known, sulfite strips (available only by prescription) can be used to detect treated foods.

Salad bars can be an excellent source of a healthy, enjoyable meal; just remember:

‘Choose food items low in calories and fats.

‘Pay attention to cleanliness and possible contamination.

‘Avoid lukewarm food items and food that spoils easily.

Inquire about sulfite use, especially if you have asthma.

For more information, contact Health Enhancement Services, 753-9755.