Ontario Food Handler Certificate Personal Hygiene for Food Workers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following jewelry is generally permitted for food handlers in Ontario?
- Rings with stones
- Bracelets
- A plain wedding band (Correct answer)
- Dangling earrings
Correct answer: A plain wedding band
A plain wedding band is generally the only jewelry permitted for food handlers. Other jewelry can harbor bacteria, fall into food, or interfere with proper handwashing and glove use.
Question 2: What should a food handler do before returning to work after recovering from a Salmonella infection?
- Return as soon as symptoms stop
- Wait 24 hours after symptoms stop
- Obtain clearance from a physician or public health authority (Correct answer)
- Take antibiotics and return immediately
Correct answer: Obtain clearance from a physician or public health authority
For certain reportable diseases like Salmonella, food handlers may need medical clearance before returning to food handling duties, as they can remain carriers even after symptoms resolve.
Question 3: Why must food handlers wear clean outer garments or uniforms?
- For a professional appearance only
- To prevent contamination of food from street clothes that may carry dirt and bacteria (Correct answer)
- To protect workers from food spills
- It is optional under Ontario regulations
Correct answer: To prevent contamination of food from street clothes that may carry dirt and bacteria
Clean outer garments prevent transfer of contaminants from street clothes to food. Street clothes can carry dirt, pet hair, bacteria, and other contaminants from outside the food premises.
Question 4: A food handler sneezes into their elbow while preparing food. What should they do next?
- Continue working since they covered their sneeze
- Wash their hands before resuming food preparation (Correct answer)
- Apply hand sanitizer only
- Change their apron only
Correct answer: Wash their hands before resuming food preparation
Even though sneezing into the elbow is better than sneezing into hands, the food handler must still wash their hands before resuming food preparation to prevent any potential contamination.
Question 5: Which of the following is a proper hair restraint for food handlers?
- A baseball cap worn backwards
- A hair net or clean hat that fully covers the hair (Correct answer)
- A headband that holds back bangs only
- Hair tied in a ponytail without a net
Correct answer: A hair net or clean hat that fully covers the hair
A hair net or clean hat that fully covers the hair prevents hair from falling into food. Hair can carry Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria.
Question 6: Under Ontario regulations, what type of handwashing station must be provided in a food preparation area?
- Any sink can be used for handwashing
- A dedicated handwashing sink with warm water, soap, and paper towels (Correct answer)
- A basin with cold water is sufficient
- Hand sanitizer dispensers replace the need for a sink
Correct answer: A dedicated handwashing sink with warm water, soap, and paper towels
Ontario regulations require a dedicated handwashing station separate from food preparation or dishwashing sinks, equipped with warm running water, soap, and single-use towels.
Ontario Food Handler Certificate Personal Hygiene for Food Workers 2
Which of the following jewelry is generally permitted for food handlers in Ontario?