Important Rules for Food Handlers - Grey Bruce Health Unit

Health Protection
F a c t s
Important Rules for Food Handlers
Persons
Practice good, frequent handwashing. Wash your hands before handling food,
after handling raw foods and always after using the toilet.
Cover cuts and sores with waterproof dressings.
Do not cough or sneeze over and around food. Keep hands away from your face
and hair. Keep hair confined. Avoid touching your face, nose or mouth while
preparing food. Avoid coughing or sneezing around food.
Tell your supervisor if you are ill. Do not prepare food if you are ill and report
your illness to your supervisor.
Do not smoke while handling food.
Wash hands after a smoke break and before handling food again.
Wear clean outerwear and keep your person clean. Wear clean clothing with an
apron. Change the apron when it gets dirty.
Keep fingernails short and clean. Avoid wearing nail polish and keep jewelry to a
minimum. Long hair must be tied back and head gear always worn by all during
food preparation.
Practices
Keep food either piping hot (at least 60°C/140°F) or refrigerator cold (4°C/40°F
or less).
Keep food at least 6 inches (18cm) off the floor, covered and free from
contamination.
Clean as you go. Wipe up spills immediately.
Keep utensils and surfaces clean and sanitized.
Take care not to contaminate prepared or ready-to-eat foods with raw foods.
Whenever possible use tongs, spoons, etc. to handle food. If you must taste food,
ensure a new clean spoon is used for each tasting.
www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
Provided courtesy of Health Protection, Grey Bruce Health Unit
Offices: Owen Sound - 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456
Walkerton - 519-881-1920 or 1-800-821-7714

H ealth & Environment Facts
Premises
Dispose of waste food tidily. Keep garbage bins covered.
Do not permit animals to enter kitchen or storage areas.
Report any signs of pests (rats, mice, cockroaches) to your employer.
Follow your employer's cleaning schedules to keep premises and equipment
clean, bright and safe.
Dishes, utensils, equipment and food can be easily contaminated by employees hands and
clothing unless a high standard of personal hygiene is maintained.
Always think clean!
The cleanliness, health and habits of food handlers are important because people often
carry germs, which are easily spread through food. These germs are often present on our
hands, face, hair, noses and in our mouths and bowels. Even the healthiest person may be
carrying germs without being sick. Personal hygiene is important. Remember and
practice the following.
www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
Provided courtesy of Health Protection, Grey Bruce Health Unit
Offices: Owen Sound - 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456
Walkerton - 519-881-1920 or 1-800-821-7714