What personal behavior should food handlers avoid while working?

Food handlers should avoid eating or drinking while preparing food because such behaviors can pose significant food safety risks. Consuming food or beverages in a food preparation area can lead to contamination through the transfer of pathogens from hands to food, or from saliva or bodily fluids ending up on food surfaces. This is particularly concerning as it can lead to foodborne illnesses that are harmful not only to the food handlers themselves but more critically, to consumers who then eat the contaminated food.

Maintaining a clean and sanitized work environment is essential for safety and helps minimize contamination risks. Food handlers are encouraged to wear clean uniforms to prevent introducing dirt or pathogens into food. Regular handwashing is a fundamental practice to reduce bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Additionally, the appropriate use of gloves is a critical part of food safety, serving as a barrier to prevent direct contact between hands and ready-to-eat foods.

In summary, while wearing clean uniforms, washing hands, and using gloves are all important behaviors that promote food safety, eating or drinking in food preparation areas is strongly discouraged to prevent unintentional contamination.