Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

What should a food handler do if they have a cut or wound on their hands?

1. Ignore it if covered

2. Wash it with soap and water

3. Cover it with a waterproof bandage and wear gloves

4. Use a regular bandage without gloves

The correct answer is: Cover it with a waterproof bandage and wear gloves

When a food handler has a cut or wound on their hands, it is essential to prioritize food safety and hygiene. Covering the wound with a waterproof bandage and wearing gloves is the best practice. This approach effectively minimizes the risk of the wound contaminating food and prevents any pathogens from the hand entering the food. Using gloves also adds an extra layer of protection. The waterproof bandage contains and shields the wound from potential contaminants and helps maintain a hygienic environment when handling food. It is important to note that while washing a cut with soap and water is important for personal hygiene, it does not eliminate the need for additional protective measures like bandaging and gloving. Simply covering a cut without using gloves does not adequately protect food from contamination. A regular bandage could allow pathogens to escape and still poses a risk to the food. Therefore, the choice to cover the wound with a waterproof bandage and wear gloves is critical in ensuring safe food handling practices.