What should food handlers do if they accidentally touch their face during food preparation?

When food handlers accidentally touch their face during food preparation, they should wash their hands before continuing. This is critical to prevent the transfer of pathogens that may be present on their hands to the food, which could lead to contamination and foodborne illnesses. Facial contact can introduce bacteria or viruses into the food preparation area, so washing hands helps ensure a high standard of hygiene.

The practice of washing hands regularly, especially after touching the face, is part of proper food safety protocols and is essential to maintain a safe food preparation environment. This action aligns with food safety regulations aimed at minimizing the risk of contamination during food handling.