State Food Safety Practice Exam

An employee pulls out his cell phone while slicing fruit. According to the FDA food code, what must the manager ask him to do?

1. Apply hand sanitizer

2. Wash the fruit thoroughly

3. Discard any contaminated fruit and wash his hands

4. Change to a task that does not require handling food

The correct answer is: Discard any contaminated fruit and wash his hands

When an employee uses their cell phone in a food preparation area, it presents a risk of cross-contamination. The surface of a cell phone can harbor bacteria and other pathogens that could transfer to food items, such as the fruit being sliced. In this situation, asking the employee to discard any potentially contaminated fruit and wash their hands is critical for maintaining food safety. This action helps eliminate the risk of contamination from the phone to the food. Washing hands after handling a personal item, particularly one like a phone that is frequently touched, is vital for ensuring that no pathogens are introduced to the food being prepared. Additionally, discarding any fruit that may have been contaminated further protects consumers from the risk of foodborne illness. This approach aligns with recommended food safety practices emphasized by the FDA, which aim to prevent any possible introduction of harmful microorganisms into food during preparation.