How should open wounds be managed when handling food?

• A. Covered
• B. Exposed to air
• C. Bandaged loosely and exposed
• D. Ignored if minor

Answer: (A)

The key idea is preventing contamination from a wound when handling food. Open wounds can harbor bacteria that easily transfer to food through your hands or gloves, so the wound must be protected. Keeping it covered with a clean, waterproof bandage creates a barrier between the wound and the food service environment. If you’re handling food, you should also wear a clean disposable glove over the bandage to maintain a second layer of protection and keep the glove intact. Keep the bandage dry and clean, and change it if it becomes wet or dirty. Always wash hands before putting on protective coverings and after removing them. Leaving a wound exposed or ignoring it increases the risk of contaminating the food and must be avoided.