To prevent physical contamination, what should food handlers avoid wearing?

To prevent physical contamination, food handlers should avoid wearing jewelry. Jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, and earrings, can easily dislodge and fall into food during preparation or service. It can also harbor bacteria and other contaminants that pose a food safety risk. The presence of such items in the food preparation area increases the likelihood of cross-contamination and compromises the overall hygiene of food handling practices.

While aprons, latex gloves, and artificial fingernails are all items that food handlers might wear, they serve specific purposes in maintaining hygiene. Aprons can protect clothing from spills and splatters, latex gloves provide a barrier between hands and food to prevent direct contact, and artificial fingernails, while sometimes discouraged, are generally less of a risk than loose jewelry. Therefore, focusing on minimizing items that can easily fall into food—like jewelry—is crucial for reducing the risk of physical contaminants.