ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

What should food handlers do after leaving and returning to the prep area?

1. Wipe hands on an apron

2. Wash hands

3. Use hand sanitizer only

4. Check for cleanliness

The correct answer is: Wash hands

Food handlers must wash their hands after leaving and returning to the prep area to ensure food safety. This step is crucial because it prevents the contamination of food from any potential pathogens that may have been encountered during their absence. Activities like handling money, using the restroom, or touching other non-food surfaces can introduce bacteria or viruses to their hands. By washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water, food handlers remove any contaminants, thus maintaining a safe environment for food preparation. Using hand sanitizer alone is insufficient, as it does not eliminate all types of germs effectively, and wiping hands on an apron does not clean them. Checking for cleanliness is an important practice in general food safety, but it does not address the immediate need for hand hygiene when returning to food preparation. Therefore, washing hands is the most appropriate action in this scenario, as it directly supports safe food handling procedures.