What should a food handler do if they accidentally contaminate their hands?

When a food handler accidentally contaminates their hands, the appropriate course of action is to wash hands immediately and reapply gloves if necessary. Washing hands is crucial as it removes pathogens and contaminants that could potentially lead to foodborne illness. Even if gloves are being worn, contamination on the hands can still pose a risk, especially if the gloves are inadvertently punctured or removed.

Thorough handwashing with soap and water is a vital step in maintaining food safety standards and preventing the spread of harmful bacteria. After washing, if the food handler is required to continue food preparation or service, they should put on a fresh pair of gloves to ensure they do not transfer any lingering contaminants to food.

While wearing gloves does provide a layer of protection against contamination, it should not be relied upon solely, particularly if hands have been compromised. Immediate washing is an essential practice to maintain hygiene and safety in food handling environments.