If you have a cut on your hand, which steps should you take before handling food?

• A. Wash your hands
• B. Put on a clean bandage
• C. Wear gloves
• D. Wash your hands, put on a clean bandage, and wear gloves

Answer: (D)

When you have a cut, the goal is to prevent germs from reaching the food. Start by washing your hands to remove surface germs. Then cover the wound with a clean bandage to create a protective barrier between the wound and what you touch. Finally, wear disposable gloves to add another layer of protection and keep the barrier in place. This combination matters because each step tackles a different risk: washing reduces skin germs, the bandage blocks contact with the wound, and gloves prevent transfer if the gloves or bandage are touched. Doing just one of these steps isn’t enough—washing alone doesn’t protect the wound, a bandage alone doesn’t stop transfer from unclean hands, and gloves alone don’t help if your hands aren’t clean or the bandage isn’t in place. Change the bandage or gloves if they become wet or torn, and wash your hands again after removing gloves.