360 Training Food Handlers Practice Exam

What is an acceptable practice regarding employee hygiene in food preparation?

1. Employees can wear jewelry as long as it is not on their hands

2. Employees should napkin their mouth when sneezing

3. Employees should wash hands before handling food

4. Employees are allowed to return to work with minor injuries

The correct answer is: Employees should wash hands before handling food

Washing hands before handling food is a fundamental practice in employee hygiene for food preparation. This practice is essential because it prevents the transfer of harmful bacteria and viruses from hands to food, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Proper handwashing techniques, which include using soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, and rinsing with clean water, significantly reduce the risk of contaminating food with pathogens that thrive in food environments. The other options present practices that do not adequately ensure food safety. Allowing jewelry can pose risks, as it can harbor bacteria; sneezing into a napkin does not effectively prevent contamination; and returning to work with injuries can lead to open wounds contaminating food or food contact surfaces. Therefore, regular handwashing stands out as the most impactful and necessary practice for maintaining hygiene in food preparation settings.