Personal hygiene is one of the most important parts of food safety. Food handlers can unintentionally transfer microorganisms from their hands, clothing, hair, skin, or other parts of their body to food and food-contact surfaces.
Maintaining good personal hygiene reduces the likelihood of contamination and helps create a safer environment for everyone who consumes the food.
Proper Handwashing
Hands are one of the most common ways microorganisms can be transferred between people, food, equipment, and surfaces.
Food handlers should wash their hands:
- Before starting food preparation.
- After using the restroom.
- After handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs.
- After touching garbage.
- After coughing, sneezing, or touching the face.
- After cleaning activities.
- After touching phones or other potentially contaminated objects.
- Before handling ready-to-eat food.
Handwashing should be performed thoroughly rather than simply rinsing the hands with water. Soap and clean running water should be used, and the hands should be dried using a clean method.
Clean Clothing and Protective Equipment
Food handlers should wear clean clothing when working with food. Depending on the environment, protective clothing may include aprons, hair coverings, gloves, or other protective equipment.
Hair should be controlled so that it does not fall into food. Jewelry and other personal items may also create contamination or physical hazards and should be managed according to workplace procedures.
Cuts, Wounds, and Illness
Cuts and wounds should be properly covered with suitable waterproof dressings. Food handlers should also follow workplace procedures when they are experiencing symptoms of illness that could create a food safety risk.
For example, someone experiencing vomiting or diarrhea may need to avoid handling food until it is safe for them to return to work.
Gloves Do Not Replace Handwashing
Gloves can provide an additional barrier, but they do not eliminate the need for proper hand hygiene. Gloves can become contaminated just like hands.
A food handler should replace gloves when they become damaged, contaminated, or when changing from one activity to another. Hands should also be washed appropriately before putting on new gloves.
Building Good Hygiene Habits
Good hygiene is most effective when it becomes part of a routine. Food handlers should not wait until they notice visible dirt before cleaning their hands or changing contaminated equipment.
Consistent hygiene practices help reduce contamination risks and contribute to a safer food preparation environment.