Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

When is it mandatory for food handlers to wear gloves?

1. When preparing all types of food

2. When handling raw meat only

3. When handling ready-to-eat foods and when they have cuts or wounds

4. When serving food to customers

The correct answer is: When handling ready-to-eat foods and when they have cuts or wounds

Gloves are mandatory for food handlers primarily when they are handling ready-to-eat foods and in situations where they have cuts or wounds. This is because ready-to-eat foods are items that don't require any additional cooking before consumption, making them more susceptible to contamination. Using gloves helps to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens from the handler's hands to these foods, thereby protecting the health of consumers. Furthermore, when a food handler has cuts or wounds, wearing gloves provides a barrier that prevents any potential contaminants from entering open wounds, while also keeping the wound protected from exposure to food and other surfaces. This practice aligns with food safety standards aimed at reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. The other scenarios do not universally mandate glove use. For example, while handling raw meat does require caution and often the use of gloves as a best practice to prevent cross-contamination, it is not a blanket rule that gloves must be worn solely for raw meat handling. Additionally, serving food to customers may not require gloves if proper hand hygiene and other sanitary practices are followed. Hence, the requirement for using gloves is specifically emphasized for conditions that pose a higher risk of food contamination, which is why the answer regarding ready-to-eat foods and wounds is the most accurate.