Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

A food handler will be wearing single-use gloves to chop lettuce for an hour. When must the food handler's hands be washed?

1. After the hour has passed

2. At the end of the day

3. Before starting the task

4. Before putting on the gloves

The correct answer is: Before starting the task

The correct answer is that the food handler must wash their hands before starting the task. This is essential because handwashing is a critical step in preventing cross-contamination and ensuring food safety. Washing hands before donning gloves helps remove any contaminants that may be present, which, even if the food handler intends to use gloves afterward, could still transfer to the gloves and subsequently to the food being prepared. Additionally, it is worth noting that while it is important to maintain cleanliness throughout food handling tasks, the specific moment for handwashing initiates the process before any food contact or handling begins. This proactive measure safeguards the integrity of the food and protects public health.