To eat or not to eat

Question

I worked for a boss that, when it comes to special occasions she buys cake or cupcakes for the employees. Here's where it get weird. When she cuts the cake for everyone..... she put her fingers to get the frosting  on the knife and then licks her fingers, then serves. To be honest, I find this gross and wrong! This is not the second time either. 0_0 One day, I fear to find the coffee with spit or something.

Tory Fedel · Answer

I have had a manager that was very opposed to potlucks and specifically anything in a crock pot for a similar reason.  You don't know the person's kitchen and level of cleanliness.  So as an office, we didn't have them for a long time.  So I completely understand where you are coming from.

I also have has to manage events for engagement for entire floors of people where we are serving up cake and other things.  I specifically bought gloves for people to wear along with the flatware and the plates like a package deal.  Anytime the idea of food came up, I always said, 'I have the gloves for cutting and all of the other supplies for serving, would you like me to grab them for you?'  Eventually people just got in the habit and no one questioned it any longer.

Toni B. · Answer

Ewww!! She may not realize she's doing it. I would make a joke about it and say I prefer mines not licked on. :) Or you cut it or stick to cup cakes. Good luck!

EmpoweredGirl653467 · Answer

I once had a director who tossed a fruit salad with hands, after cutting every all the fruit. I was so grossed out I didn’t eat any of it. Plus I hate people to put their hands down in a potato bag, to this day is probably why I don’t eat chips.

Anonymous · Answer

update* I think my boss knows it is unsanitary and also does this with cookies as well*. Recently doesn't use a napkin and continues to go this.  I have since brought my food or say 'I have another client to tend to'.  I dont bother for potluck and I am forever scarred :(

Anonymous · Answer

Gah! Yeah, seems like something she's just used to doing. Definitely either try to jump in and cut it yourself or don't partake if it weirds you out!

Anonymous · Answer

People don't learn unless you straight up say something blunt and honest; I don't care about a person's feelings when it comes to sanitation. They're not at home and should be reminded. Will they apologize for giving you _____ ? (insert any bacteria here.)

Blake · Answer

I read this and wondered as a manager if I had done anything similar, without thinking of course.  Sometimes it gets so familiar when we spend time with coworkers.  i would try saying things like 'hey I can cut that for you' and then verbally say something like 'Wow its hard to not touch the frosting so I need to .......blah blah'  just talk about what you are doing to jog her memory of how this is not acceptable practice.  I agree with those who don't think she even knows she is doing it.

Crystal Rhineberger · Answer

Eeeewwww
Thats a strict if i have to eat i eat around the evidence! Horrible manners

Janice Ferguson · Answer

My grocery store started 'serve yourself' salads.  I've stopped buying their salads.

Donna Macdonald · Answer

I don't partake in potlucks at work and I have the perfect excuse (reason) - I am on meds for my gut.  I don't think your boss knows she is doing this unsanitary thing and probably learned it at home.  She really doesn't mean to offend.  I suggest explaining that you have to be careful with your tummy and cannot have a piece of cake.  Otherwise, I would suggest you offer to cut the cake for her.

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