Work Potluck

[Dianaw]

I got sick yesterday at work.  There was a potluck for my coworker's birthday.  I ate my own food, all things I've had before, and avoided all potluck items.  The triscuts and wheat thins were placed right next to my desk however.  Is it possible I somehow got contaminated from the crackers?  By the end of the day I bloated, developed heart burn, abdominal pain, and mood swings.

[kareng]

Is it possible someone got some crumbs in your food?

[Dianaw]

It is possible.  I tried so hard to keep my food closed up and away.  My coworkers feel bad now.  Partially because the bloating is very visible.  I guess this means that I have to ask that communal food is kept at another location.

[kareng]

Sometimes its hard to really know. It could be something completely different. But I would feel better if they didn't have their food next to mine.

[KCG91]

Placed next to your desk - near enough to send crumbs onto your keyboard (and then your hands?). I swear hot desking while I temp has improved my crumb-sight :| People are gross!

[Dianaw]

The worst part is that I work in a medical office.  Yet I still got "you're that sensitive?" today.   I even moved the food away only for it to reappear while I was with a patient.  *facepalm*

[LauraTX]

If it is really affecting you and your coworkers are doing things like sneaking the food back there, speak with the head of the office and let them know that this is serious, and to please institute a no food rule at the area your work space is in.  

[Georgia-guy]

I only spend at most 2 hours in the office every day (9am-11am), so lunch time I'm on the streets. But when it comes to other things (meetings mainly), the food becomes an issue to where I have stood in the back of the meeting room to avoid it. But just let your boss know "hey, if this stuff stays around me, I'm gonna get sick and that's gonna cause a loss of productivity for me and the department." Hopefully (s)he will understand, and if not you may have to go up the ladder.

The worst part is that I work in a medical office. Yet I still got "you're that sensitive?" today. I even moved the food away only for it to reappear while I was with a patient. *facepalm*

As a side note, Dianaw, you must work at my old doctor's office. Sounds like something he would say. But then again, I think he slept through elementary through med school.

[Kimbalou]

Could it possibly be something you ate the day before? Sometimes my symptoms don't show up until the next day.

[Dianaw]

I know it wasn't something the day before because I make all my food and no gluten is allowed in my house at all. Not too hard since its me and my dog.

I'll have to remove myself in the future if they insist on putting the food there. I am one out of 80ish. I dont't want to be "that person" who ruins it for others. They constantly draw attention to my issue but then try and feed me or put food next to me. Luckily it was a mild reaction this time.

[Georgia-guy]

If you're 1 out of 80ish, why can't they put the food by someone else's desk? It wouldn't be ruining it, it would just be moving where everyone puts the food.

[sunny2012]

People talk while eating. I have found pieces of bread in my drink - back when I used an open drink container. I would be suspect of anything near my desk because people will take one and pop into their mouth and talk while chewing. And like others said get it all over your desk, keyboard and papers, pencils - just about everything you touch.

[cap6]

Can you put a sign on your desk that says "no food" or something like that.  The last three years I worked part time and the crumbs that would show up in my keyboard.....ugh!!!!!