What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) should food handlers wear?

Food handlers should wear gloves, hairnets, and aprons as personal protective equipment (PPE) to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination of food. Gloves serve as a barrier between the food and potential pathogens from the handler's hands, especially when handling ready-to-eat foods. Hairnets help keep hair secured and away from food surfaces, minimizing the risk of hair falling into food. Aprons provide a protective layer to the handler's clothing, which can also carry contaminants, ensuring that any splatters or spills do not contaminate the food being prepared or served.

In contrast, hats and sunglasses do not provide the specific protection needed in food handling environments. While protective clothing is essential, the use of short sleeves and sandals is discouraged because they do not offer adequate coverage or protection against foodborne illnesses. Wearing only gloves without other protective equipment like hairnets and aprons neglects other critical aspects of hygiene in food safety. Therefore, the combination of gloves, hairnets, and aprons is the most effective approach to ensure safe food handling practices.