ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

Which food item may be handled with bare hands?

1. Chopped carrots for stew

2. Raw seafood

3. Salads containing mayonnaise

4. Cooked poultry

The correct answer is: Chopped carrots for stew

Chopped carrots for stew can be handled with bare hands because they are considered a ready-to-eat food item that is typically cooked before consumption. When vegetables are prepared for cooking, the risk of pathogen transmission is lower than with raw or potentially hazardous foods. Additionally, the use of bare hands may be acceptable in certain circumstances as long as proper hand hygiene practices are followed. In contrast, raw seafood and cooked poultry are more susceptible to carrying harmful pathogens, which is why they should not be handled with bare hands to prevent cross-contamination. Salads containing mayonnaise are ready-to-eat foods that could pose a risk if proper handwashing isn’t performed, as they include ingredients that require careful handling to avoid foodborne illnesses. Following food safety guidelines helps ensure that any food handled is done so in a way that minimizes the risk of contamination.