Texas Food Safety Managers Practice Test

A handwashing station is stocked with soap, single-use paper towels, and hot and cold running water. There's also signs reminding food handlers to wash their hands. Which additional item is required?

1. Latex disposable gloves

2. Waste receptacle

3. An approved hand antiseptic

4. First aid kit

The correct answer is: Waste receptacle

The inclusion of a waste receptacle at a handwashing station is essential for maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation practices in food handling environments. After washing their hands, food handlers will need a way to dispose of used paper towels without contaminating their hands after the washing process. A waste receptacle that is easily accessible encourages food handlers to properly discard their paper towels, which helps to prevent cross-contamination and maintains a clean handwashing area. While other items such as gloves, hand antiseptics, and first aid kits are important in food safety protocols, they are not mandated components of a handwashing station. Gloves may serve as a barrier, but they do not replace the need for proper handwashing. Hand antiseptics can complement handwashing but are not required, as handwashing with soap and water is the primary method. A first aid kit is critical for addressing injuries but does not directly relate to the function of a handwashing station. Hence, including a waste receptacle is vital to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and promote effective hand hygiene practices.