What must a food handler with a hand wound do to safely work with food?

A food handler with a hand wound must bandage the wound with an impermeable cover and wear a single-use glove to ensure safety while working with food. This approach is critical because it prevents any potential pathogens from the wound from contaminating the food being prepared. An impermeable cover not only keeps the wound protected from external contaminants but also ensures that no fluids can escape from the wound, thereby minimizing the risk of foodborne illness.

Additionally, wearing a single-use glove adds an extra layer of protection, allowing the food handler to continue working without directly exposing the wound or increasing the likelihood of cross-contamination. This method supports safe food handling practices, aligning with health regulations designed to protect consumers from foodborne pathogens.

While methods like using antiseptic and frequent hand washing are important for general hygiene, they do not provide the same level of protection as properly covering a wound and wearing gloves. Stopping work entirely may not be necessary if the wound is managed correctly, and covering the wound with a regular band-aid does not offer the required impermeability, increasing the risk of contamination.