ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

What must food handlers do when handling ready-to-eat food?

1. Wear single-use gloves

2. Wash hands thoroughly

3. Use metal utensils

4. Keep food covered

The correct answer is: Wear single-use gloves

When handling ready-to-eat food, food handlers must wear single-use gloves as a means of ensuring food safety and preventing cross-contamination. Ready-to-eat foods are those that do not require further cooking to make them safe for consumption, such as salads, deli meats, or baked goods. Since these items are handled directly, using gloves helps minimize the risk of transferring pathogens from hands to food. In situations where gloves are used, it is essential that they are changed frequently and that food handlers also wash their hands before putting on new gloves. While washing hands thoroughly, using metal utensils, and keeping food covered are all important practices in food safety, wearing gloves specifically addresses the risk associated with direct contact with ready-to-eat foods. This practice is particularly critical in environments where food is prepared and served, where hygiene is paramount to prevent foodborne illness.