Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

When should food handlers wash their hands?

1. Only after handling raw foods

2. Before and after handling food, and after any potential contamination

3. Once a day

4. Only after using the restroom

The correct answer is: Before and after handling food, and after any potential contamination

Hand hygiene is a critical aspect of food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. Food handlers should wash their hands before and after handling food to eliminate germs that can be transferred to food items. This practice helps minimize the risk of cross-contamination, particularly between raw and cooked foods. Additionally, handwashing should occur after any potential contamination, such as touching the face, hair, or other surfaces, or after handling waste and using the restroom. This thorough approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean hands at all times, not just in select situations, which is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of food for consumers.