Texas Food Safety Managers Practice Test

Which of the following is prohibited for food handlers when handling ready-to-eat foods?

1. Bare hands

2. Gloves

3. Tongs

4. Forks

The correct answer is: Bare hands

Food handlers must avoid using bare hands when handling ready-to-eat foods to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. The primary reason for this prohibition is that bare hands can easily transfer pathogens, allergens, and contaminants to food, thus compromising food safety. The practice of using gloves, tongs, or forks helps create a barrier between hands and food, significantly reducing the likelihood of contamination. Proper glove use also allows food handlers to maintain better hygiene practices, as gloves should be changed frequently to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, utensils like tongs and forks provide additional methods of handling food without direct hand contact, further enhancing food safety measures.