ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

Why should food handlers not wear false fingernails?

1. They are too expensive

2. They can cause allergic reactions

3. They are hard to keep clean

4. They can break easily

The correct answer is: They are hard to keep clean

Food handlers should not wear false fingernails primarily because they can be hard to keep clean. In a food preparation environment, maintaining high levels of personal hygiene is essential to prevent contamination of food. False fingernails can trap dirt and bacteria under them, making it difficult to achieve the cleanliness required for safe food handling. This lack of cleanliness increases the risk of foodborne illnesses. While other factors such as the cost of false nails or potential allergic reactions might be considerations in different contexts, the critical issue in food safety is the ability to maintain a clean and sanitary environment. Additionally, while false nails can break, which might pose a physical hazard, the primary concern remains focused on hygiene and the prevention of contamination in food handling operations.