How often should food handlers practice personal hygiene?

Food handlers should practice personal hygiene regularly during their shift and before handling food to ensure the safety and quality of food being prepared and served. This is crucial because food handlers can easily contaminate food with pathogens or allergens if they do not maintain proper hygiene standards throughout their work hours.

Regular handwashing, for example, should occur after using the restroom, before starting food preparation, after handling raw materials, and after any activity that could lead to contamination. By incorporating hygiene practices into their daily routine, food handlers significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and promote overall food safety. It is not sufficient to only wash hands at the beginning of a shift or just before handling food; ongoing vigilance in personal hygiene is essential for maintaining a safe food environment.