Personal HygieneQuestion 117 of 320
Which of these is the MOST important reason food handlers must wash hands after using the restroom?
a.To make hands smell better
b.To comply with the dress code
c.Because customers are watching
d.To remove fecal pathogens such as Norovirus, Shigella, Hepatitis A, and E. coli that spread by the fecal-oral route
Explanation
The fecal-oral route is how many of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens spread, including Norovirus, Shigella, Hepatitis A, and STEC, so washing hands after the restroom is critical to breaking that route. It is a food-safety control, not a matter of smell, dress code, or customer perception. This is why handwashing sinks and signage are required near restrooms.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code §2-301.14Practice all 320 questions free — no signup required.
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