Personal Hygiene Standards Flashcards

How often should food handlers change their aprons during a shift?

Answer: Whenever the apron becomes soiled, contaminated, or when switching between raw and ready-to-eat food tasks

Aprons should be changed whenever they become soiled or contaminated, and especially when transitioning between handling raw and ready-to-eat foods. A dirty apron can transfer bacteria to hands and food contact surfaces.

A food handler wearing latex gloves notices a small tear in one glove while preparing a salad. What should they do?

Answer: Immediately remove both gloves, wash hands, and put on new gloves

Any tear in a glove compromises the barrier between the handler's hands and the food. The handler must remove both gloves, wash hands (as bacteria may have passed through the tear), and put on a fresh pair.

What is the recommended practice for food handlers regarding the use of perfume or cologne?

Answer: Food handlers should avoid heavy perfumes and colognes as they can contaminate food with chemical odours and may cause allergic reactions

Strong perfumes and colognes can transfer chemical odours to food, potentially altering its taste and smell. Some fragrances contain allergens that could affect sensitive individuals. Minimal or no fragrance is the best practice.

When should food handlers wash their hands in relation to putting on disposable gloves?

Answer: Both before putting on gloves and after removing them

Hands must be washed before putting on gloves (to avoid trapping bacteria inside) and after removing them (as bacteria can multiply in the warm, moist environment inside gloves and contaminate hands during removal).

What condition must a handwashing station meet under BC FOODSAFE requirements?

Answer: It must be dedicated to handwashing only, with hot and cold running water, soap, paper towels, and be easily accessible

BC Food Premises Regulation requires dedicated handwashing stations with hot and cold running water, liquid soap, paper towels or an approved drying method, and they must be conveniently located and accessible at all times.

A food handler returns from a smoke break. What must they do before returning to food handling duties?

Answer: Wash their hands thoroughly, as smoking involves hand-to-mouth contact and introduces bacteria

Smoking involves hand-to-mouth contact, transferring saliva and oral bacteria to the hands. Food handlers must wash hands thoroughly after smoking before returning to any food handling duties.