Abstract: A food buffet utensil for use with a food buffet having a shield includes a base member attachable to the food buffet shield. A housing is coupled to the base member and defines an open bottom. The food buffet utensil includes a cord having a first end connected to a reel and a second end extending therefrom, the reel being selectively movable between retracted and extended configurations. The food buffet utensil includes a utensil body having a handle coupled to the second end of the cord, the handle being displaced from the housing when the reel is at the extended configuration and a portion of the handle being positioned in the housing when the reel is at the retracted configuration. An ultraviolet LED is positioned in the housing such that ultraviolet light is emitted when the ultraviolet LED is electrically energized.

Abstract: The invention is a retractable utensil holder for use at a food buffet or salad bar. The invention is comprised of a utensil, a retractable cord, and a buffet bar. The retractable cord would be used to keep the utensil away from the food when not in use, and thus promote a more sanitary facility. The invention as used would simply require the patron of the food buffet to grab the utensil and pull it down to the desired location for food retrieval. When the user is finished with the utensil, he or she can simply let go and the retractable cord will carry the utensil away from the food.