360 Training Food Handlers Practice Exam

Which practice is essential for preventing Hepatitis A?

1. Using gloves at all times

2. Proper handwashing

3. Keeping foods in airtight containers

4. Cooking food thoroughly

The correct answer is: Proper handwashing

Proper handwashing is crucial in preventing the transmission of Hepatitis A because the virus is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route. This can occur when food or drinks are contaminated by fecal matter from an infected person. By washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom, before handling food, and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, food handlers can significantly reduce the risk of spreading the virus. While other practices, such as using gloves and cooking food thoroughly, are important for food safety, they do not specifically address the transmission route of Hepatitis A as effectively as proper handwashing does. Using gloves can help in preventing cross-contamination, but if the hands are not clean in the first place, gloves may not provide adequate protection. Similarly, while cooking food to the appropriate temperature is important for killing pathogens, Hepatitis A is not eliminated by cooking as it is a virus that can survive in food if proper hygiene practices are not followed beforehand. Keeping food in airtight containers is primarily a method for preventing spoilage and bacterial growth, not for Hepatitis A prevention specifically. Thus, promoting and practicing proper handwashing is the most effective measure in safeguarding against this virus.