Final answer:
Food handlers should not chew gum while working because it poses a food safety risk, with the potential of gum contaminating the food they are preparing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important reason food handlers should not chew gum while working is because it may fall into the food they are preparing. This is not only an issue of professionalism, but it also poses a significant food safety concern. If the gum were to fall into food, it could contaminate the product and potentially make customers sick.
Moreover, there are health regulations and standards to prevent any foreign objects, including gum, from contaminating food due to the associated health risks. Chewing gum could distract food handlers from their tasks and compromise the integrity of the food preparation process.