Final answer:
A food handler with an infected hand wound must cover the wound with a bandage, wear a glove, and practice thorough handwashing before and after applying the bandage or when starting food handling tasks to prevent food contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
A food handler with an infected hand wound must take specific precautions to work safely with food. To prevent contamination and protect public health, the handler should cover the wound with a waterproof bandage or dressing. After securing the wound, wearing a single-use glove over the bandage is necessary to create an additional barrier between the wound and the food.
Furthermore, regular handwashing is crucial and should be performed both before and after applying the bandage and glove. Handwashing should follow the five steps recommended by the CDC, which include wetting hands with clean, running water, applying soap, scrubbing all areas of the hands for at least 20 seconds, rinsing under clean, running water, and finally, drying hands with a clean towel or air drying them.
By following these practices, the risk of spreading pathogens through food can be significantly minimized. It's essential for a food handler to also maintain general hygiene protocols, such as washing hands after using the bathroom, handling raw meat, or being around sick people, and before preparing food or eating. Compliance with these safety measures is crucial in ensuring that food remains free of harmful bacteria and viruses, such as Salmonella or norovirus.