What should an employee do if they are touching their hair while preparing a sandwich?

When preparing food, especially in a sandwich-making process, maintaining a high standard of hygiene is essential to prevent food contamination. If an employee is touching their hair, it can introduce bacteria, dirt, or hair strands into the food preparation area, posing a risk to customer safety and food integrity.

Washing hands and ceasing to touch their hair ensures that any potential contaminants are removed, maintaining a clean environment for food preparation. This action emphasizes the importance of personal hygiene in the kitchen, where even minor infractions can lead to foodborne illnesses. In this context, prioritizing hand washing over the other options directly addresses the hygiene protocols necessary in food safety practices. It is critical for all food handlers to be aware of their personal habits and how those habits can affect food safety.