They're Out There: Dirty Lemon Wedges

From lettuce to pistachios to spinach, contaminations have people wary about the safety of fruits and vegetables. And for many, yet another reason to be sour is that 2007 study that found the majority of restaurant lemon wedges were covered with disease-causing bacteria.

Nearly 70 percent of lemon slices found to be contaminated

In the study by Anne LaGrange Loving, Assistant Professor of Science at Passaic County Community College in New Jersey, 76 lemon samples were collected from 21 restaurants during 43 visits. Water and soda were the only drinks used in the study. Results revealed that 69.7 percent of the samples that were taken and cultured showed microbial growth in the lemon's rind, flesh, or both. The microbes found in the lemon slices had disease-causing bacteria with at least 25 different micro-organisms ranging from fecal bacteria to germs that cause staph infections.

The findings led to widespread news reports and You Tube videos.

The study showed that potentially harmful microorganisms can survive on lemon slices. Further, the results suggest it is not unlikely that other restaurant garnishes such as limes, cherries or olives might be contaminated as well.

True Lemon and True Lime are safe citrus solutions

All-natural True Lemon and True Lime provide citrus taste without any sanitary concerns. True Lemon and Lime are untampered cold pressed fruit oils and juices that have been crystallized in a special process. Each no-mess, handy packet has the taste of two wedges, is easy to carry and can be used at restaurants, at home or on-the-go.

Professor Loving pointed out that people shouldn't panic about the lemon findings. But, Loving said, when she goes to a restaurant, she herself no longer accepts lemon wedges with her water or beverages.