Why should you never eat or drink in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the primary concern is safety, particularly when it comes to preventing contamination and accidental ingestion of hazardous substances. Laboratories often contain chemicals, biological agents, and other materials that can pose serious health risks if ingested or inhaled. Eating or drinking in such an environment increases the likelihood of these harmful substances contaminating food or drinks, leading to potentially severe health consequences, including poisoning or illness.

While maintaining a tidy work environment and adhering to company policies are important, the paramount reason for prohibiting food and drink in labs is the direct safety hazard they present. Thus, the core rationale focuses on the need to minimize risks associated with hazardous materials to protect the health and safety of individuals working in or around the laboratory.