A food worker is frying donuts in a deep fryer.
What is the food worker required to wear to keep food safe?
A A rubber apron
B A hair restraint
C A pair of safety goggles
D A pair of heat-resistant gloves
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: B. A hair restraint
Explanation:
When working in a food preparation environment, especially around open food like donuts in a fryer, maintaining food safety and hygiene is critical. One of the primary concerns is preventing physical contamination of the food, such as stray hairs falling into the fryer or onto the donuts. Therefore, wearing a hair restraint—such as a hairnet, cap, or hat—is required to help prevent this type of contamination.
Hair is considered a common source of contamination in food service. Even a single hair can carry bacteria or pathogens and is considered unsanitary by customers and health inspectors alike. Hair restraints help food workers maintain a professional standard of cleanliness and align with food safety codes, such as those enforced by the FDA Food Code and local health departments.
Let’s examine the other options:
- A. A rubber apron: While useful for protecting clothing and skin from hot oil or food spills, a rubber apron is not required specifically for food safety; it’s more related to personal protection and cleanliness.
- C. A pair of safety goggles: These are also related to personal safety, especially when dealing with hot oil, but not a requirement for food safety. They prevent oil splashes from reaching the eyes, not from contaminating the food.
- D. A pair of heat-resistant gloves: Like safety goggles, these are for personal protection, helping prevent burns when handling hot equipment or food. However, they do not address the issue of food contamination.
In conclusion, among all the options, only a hair restraint (Option B) is directly related to keeping the food safe from contamination. It is required in food preparation areas, especially when food is exposed, to uphold hygiene standards and prevent the risk of physical contamination.