Personal Hygiene Practices for Food Handlers

 Personal hygiene in a food preparation setting is governed by related agencies and by obtaining a food handler’s permit. TABS certification in Texas provides additional guidelines for workers who serve alcoholic beverages to the public in this state.

Personal hygiene is important when working with food and with alcohol services. Each person who does not follow proper personal hygiene practices places others at risk for disease. There are guidelines in place by state organizations that provide for public safety procedures.

What are some of the most important personal hygiene practices to follow?

A few of the most common methods of personal practice include wearing clean clothing, being freshly bathed, using proper hand washing techniques, and handling foods properly.

Clean and appropriate clothing is a must. Along with clean clothing, food handlers are required to wear hair nets in most locations. Hair nets help prevent getting hair into food during preparation and serving. Some locations allow the workers to wear hats in place of hair nets. If hats are worn, long hair should be tied back, out of the way.

Being freshly bathed is good for business. One of the quickest ways to end a business is to work in a dirty fashion. Workers are required to be clean when preparing and handling foods. Finger nails and skin should also be clean and properly cared for. Nail length should be short to prevent bacteria from hiding under the nails.

Proper hand washing techniques are a must for workers. Even those with TABC certification in Texas should follow each of these guidelines to maintain a proper work environment. Hand washing should take place regularly using hot, soapy water to kill any germs or bacteria that may be present. Hand washing should occur after any form of break (including bathroom) for several minutes. Hand washing used properly protects the workers as well as the customers.

Food handlers and those with TABC certification in Texas should use proper techniques when handling food items. Foods should be prepared on clean surfaces and placed on clean plates for serving. Cross contamination should be avoided during the preparation stages.  Proper storage guidelines should also be followed. Foods should be maintained at appropriate temperatures.

For more information on food handling procedures, local food handling agencies are available to assist food workers. Additionally, those who are interested in taking the TABC certification in Texas can also obtain more information locally.