What Are Sneeze Guards and How Do They Work?

Sneeze guards are usually made of clear plastic or acrylic and are used to prevent the transmission of germs and droplets from one person to another. They can be used for self-service food bars, buffets, salad bars, candy bins, pastry shops, deli counters, or anywhere else where food is exposed and could potentially be contaminated by people sneezing or coughing. They may also be called sneeze shields, splash guards, protective shields, or other similar terms depending on the location. What is a sneeze guard? A sneeze guard is a transparent barrier that separates food from potential contaminants. Sneeze guards are most commonly used at buffets and salad bars, but they are now being used in supermarkets to separate customers from food on display. How do sneeze guards work? The purpose of a sneeze guard is to prevent any germs or bodily fluids from getting into food. When someone coughs or sneezes, the droplets can travel more than 3 feet. If this happens near food that is be...