ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

What practice is useful for preventing Norovirus from causing foodborne illness?

1. Wearing gloves while cooking

2. Correct handwashing

3. Using hand sanitizer

4. Storing food at high temperatures

The correct answer is: Correct handwashing

Correct handwashing is crucial for preventing Norovirus from causing foodborne illness because this virus is highly contagious and can easily be spread through improper hygiene practices. Norovirus infections often arise from contaminated food or water, or through person-to-person contact. Handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds effectively removes the virus from the hands, reducing the risk of transmission. Using gloves while cooking does not substitute for proper hand hygiene. Gloves can become contaminated, and if hands are not washed prior to putting on gloves, there is potential for cross-contamination. Hand sanitizer, while helpful in some situations, is not a reliable method for inactivating Norovirus, as the virus is resistant to many alcohol-based sanitizers. Storing food at high temperatures is not a preventive measure for Norovirus; instead, it can lead to other food safety hazards and is not effective in controlling this particular virus, which can survive at various temperatures. Overall, handwashing is the most effective strategy to minimize the risk of Norovirus outbreaks in food preparation environments.