What should you do if a food handler has an open wound?

When dealing with a food handler who has an open wound, it is essential to prioritize food safety and prevent contamination risks. Properly covering the wound is crucial because it helps to mitigate the risk of pathogens entering the food or coming into contact with food surfaces. Even if a food handler is wearing gloves, an open wound can pose a contamination risk since bodily fluids could still escape or the gloves might not be effectively sealed around the injury.

In many cases, it may also be advisable to exclude the individual from direct food handling until the wound is fully healed, which further reinforces safety protocols. This approach helps ensure that the health of consumers is safeguarded and that the food served remains safe to eat.

Covering the wound properly while possibly restricting the individual from directly handling food demonstrates compliance with health regulations and good practices in food safety, which are fundamental in preventing foodborne illnesses.