When must single-use gloves be worn by a food handler? …

Health Questions

When must single-use gloves be worn by a food handler? O When prepping food that will be cooked before service. O When properly washing produce in the food prep sink. O When rotating canned goods in storage. O When having an open wound on one or both hands.

Short Answer

Food handlers must wear single-use gloves if they have open wounds to prevent contamination. Additionally, gloves should be used in other situations, such as handling ready-to-eat foods and allergens, while maintaining proper hand hygiene by washing hands before and after food handling.

Step-by-Step Solution

Single-use gloves must be worn by food handlers with open wounds to prevent contamination.

Step 1: Identify the Need for Gloves

Food handlers need to assess their hands for any open wounds or cuts. If such an injury is present, it is crucial to put on single-use gloves before handling food. This practice helps in creating a protective barrier that minimizes the risk of pathogens from the wound contaminating the food being prepared.

Step 2: Understand Additional Situations for Gloves

Besides open wounds, there are other scenarios where wearing gloves is advised. Situations include:

  • Preparing food that will be served without cooking
  • Handling ready-to-eat foods where direct contact with skin could introduce pathogens
  • When certain allergens are involved

Awareness of these circumstances ensures safe food handling practices.

Step 3: Prioritize Hand Hygiene

Regardless of glove use, proper handwashing remains essential. Food handlers should wash their hands thoroughly before and after handling food, even when wearing gloves. This step acknowledges that gloves can have tears or are not a substitute for good hygiene, helping to further reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Related Concepts

Open Wounds

Injuries on the skin that can allow pathogens to enter the body and contaminate food

Single-Use Gloves

Disposable gloves that are worn to create a barrier between the hands and food to prevent contamination

Hand Hygiene

The practice of cleaning hands thoroughly to remove dirt, pathogens, and contaminants, which is essential even when gloves are used.

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