What must a food handler with an infected hand wound do to ensure food safety?

A food handler with an infected hand wound must cover the wound and wear a single-use glove to ensure food safety. This approach prevents any potential pathogens from the wound from contaminating food. Covering the wound helps to contain any fluids that could carry harmful microorganisms, while wearing a glove serves as an additional barrier between the infected area and the food being handled.

This practice is essential because foodborne illness can be caused by pathogens transmitted through wounds, leading to severe health risks for consumers. Properly managing the situation by covering the wound and using gloves allows the food handler to continue working while maintaining safe food handling practices.

While frequent handwashing is important for food handlers, it is insufficient by itself to manage an active infection on the hand. Simply avoiding handling food altogether may not be practical, especially if the handler can take the necessary precautions. Using a bandage without a glove does not provide adequate protection, as the bandage may still allow contaminants to enter food. Therefore, covering the wound and wearing a glove is the most effective way to ensure food safety in this scenario.