Originally Posted by MSPeconomist

I wound never think to worry about clean metal silverware in a restaurant, although I do sometimes wonder about chopsticks made of materials that might not survive high heat. If one is concerned, watch whether staff handle plates and silverware properly, touching the plate on its underside or rim and hoolding silverware by the handle. Still, it creeps me out to see another guest feeding a dog or other pet using the restaurant's plates and silverware.