ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

After which activity must food handlers wash their hands?

1. Taking out the trash

2. Clearing tables

3. Serving food

4. Restocking supplies

The correct answer is: Clearing tables

After food handlers clear tables, they must wash their hands to ensure proper hygiene before engaging in any other tasks, particularly food preparation or serving. Clearing tables can involve handling used dishes, utensils, and possibly food debris, which can transfer pathogens to the hands. Washing hands at this point is crucial to eliminate any contaminants that may have come into contact with the food items or surfaces. Maintaining hand hygiene is a key practice in food safety to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of foodborne illnesses. Therefore, washing hands after clearing tables is an essential practice that aligns with food safety guidelines and standards. Other activities, such as taking out the trash, serving food, or restocking supplies, also require hand washing, but the specific context of clearing tables highlights the potential risks associated with touching soiled items.