A food worker needs to prepare sandwiches after cleaning and sanitizing a deli slicer. What must he do before preparing the sandwiches? O Rinse his hands O Rinse the deli slicer Wash his hands O Put on cloth gloves
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Wash his hands
Explanation
Before a food worker begins preparing sandwiches—especially after completing a cleaning and sanitizing task like working with a deli slicer—it is essential to wash hands properly. This is a critical step in maintaining food safety and preventing cross-contamination.
Although cleaning and sanitizing equipment is a crucial part of food safety, it often involves handling chemicals, using tools, or coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. After such tasks, a food worker’s hands may be exposed to sanitizers, grease, food residue, or germs. Simply rinsing the hands is not sufficient to remove all contaminants. Proper handwashing with soap and water ensures that bacteria, viruses, and chemical residues are fully removed.
According to food safety guidelines from agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), workers must wash their hands:
- Before preparing food
- After cleaning or using cleaning chemicals
- After touching any potentially contaminated surface or equipment
Handwashing must follow these steps:
- Wet hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather by rubbing hands together.
- Scrub all parts of the hands, including between fingers and under nails, for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly with running water.
- Dry with a clean towel or air dryer.
Rinsing the deli slicer is part of the sanitizing process but does not address hand hygiene.
Rinsing hands without soap is ineffective for proper sanitation.
Putting on cloth gloves without washing hands first can trap bacteria against the skin and cause contamination of food.
In summary, washing hands is the correct and necessary step after cleaning equipment and before handling food, ensuring safety for both the food product and consumers.
