What should food handlers do if they have a cut on their hand?

When a food handler has a cut on their hand, the most responsible action is to cover it securely and wear gloves. This approach helps prevent any potential contamination of food products from blood or pathogens that might be present. Properly covering a cut minimizes the risk of bacteria entering the food or spreading to other surfaces and is critical in food safety practices. Wearing gloves also provides a barrier, ensuring that even if the cut is not completely protected, there is still a layer between the food and the injury. This practice aligns with health guidelines aimed at maintaining hygiene and preventing foodborne illnesses or cross-contamination.

In contrast, ignoring the cut simply because gloves are worn does not eliminate the risk of contamination, as gloves can be compromised or may not fully contain fluids. Taking a break until healed is not practical in many food handling environments where immediate service is often necessary. Continuing to work without concern disregards essential food safety protocols that are crucial in maintaining a safe food service environment.