Why should food handlers avoid touching their face while working?

Food handlers should avoid touching their face while working primarily to minimize the risk of transferring bacteria to food. The human face, particularly areas such as the mouth, nose, and eyes, can harbor a significant number of bacteria and viruses. When food handlers touch their face and then handle food or food-contact surfaces, these pathogens can easily transfer, leading to foodborne illnesses. Proper hygiene practices require that food handlers maintain cleanliness and reduce contamination risks, making it essential to avoid unnecessary contact between their hands and their face.

While allergies, unprofessional appearance, and skin infections may be considerations in certain contexts, they do not directly address the fundamental hygiene concerns related to food safety as effectively as the correct choice. The primary focus in food handling is always to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of the food being served.