Why must food handlers wear an effective hair restraint such as a hat or hairnet?
a.Because a cap and a clean uniform make the kitchen crew look sharp to the guests and to the inspector
b.To keep hair from falling into food and to reduce the temptation to touch the hair with the hands
c.To keep the handler's head and ears warm while working in the walk-in cooler and freezer
d.Only because guests complain when they see a loose hair on a plate in the dining room, not for food safety
Explanation
Hair restraints such as caps, hairnets, and beard covers keep hair out of food and discourage handlers from touching their hair, which can transfer oils and pathogens to the hands. Loose hair is a physical contaminant and a route for Staphylococcus that lives on skin and hair, so the requirement stands in a kitchen no guest or inspector can see and whether or not anyone ever complains about a plate. Warmth in the walk-in and a sharp look for the crew are side effects, not the reason the Code requires the restraint.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code §2-402.11Practice all 500 questions free — no signup required.
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