If a food handler has a cut on their hand, what should they do before handling food?

When a food handler has a cut on their hand, the most appropriate action is to wash the hands thoroughly and then cover the cut with a clean bandage. This procedure is critical for multiple reasons.

Firstly, washing the hands removes any potential bacteria or contaminants that might be present on the skin, which helps to prevent any harmful microorganisms from entering the wound and potentially infecting the food. After cleaning, covering the cut with a clean bandage is essential to protect the wound from further exposure to bacteria in the food environment and to ensure that any blood or other fluids do not contaminate the food being handled.

This practice not only supports food safety by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses but also ensures personal hygiene is maintained. Properly addressing a cut follows food safety regulations and best practices, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a safe food handling environment.