State Food Safety Practice Exam

How should a food worker avoid contaminating ready-to-eat food?

1. Use a napkin as a barrier

2. Apply hand sanitizer first

3. Use tongs or other utensils

4. Use the thumb and pointer finger

The correct answer is: Use tongs or other utensils

Using tongs or other utensils is the best method for a food worker to avoid contaminating ready-to-eat food because these tools provide a physical barrier between the worker’s hands and the food. This minimizes the risk of transferring bacteria or other pathogens that may be present on the worker’s hands directly onto the food. By utilizing utensils, the worker can ensure that the food remains safe for consumption, adhering to health guidelines that prioritize food safety. While using a napkin as a barrier offers some level of protection, it is not as effective as using proper food handling utensils specifically designed for this purpose. Hand sanitizer can help reduce pathogen presence on hands, but it is not a substitute for proper handwashing or for preventing direct contact with food items. Finally, using the thumb and pointer finger risks the possibility of contamination since direct hand contact is involved. Therefore, employing tongs or similar tools is the most reliable approach for maintaining food safety when handling ready-to-eat items.