Can employees and customers share the same bathroom facilities?

Having separate bathroom facilities for employees and customers is crucial for maintaining hygiene and safety standards in a food handling environment. This separation helps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, ensuring that food safety practices are upheld within the establishment. Employees may have different hygiene requirements and practices when handling food, which might be distinct from those of customers.

By providing separate restrooms, establishments can better control and monitor cleanliness in food preparation areas, reducing the likelihood of foodborne illnesses. This regulatory requirement not only protects the health of patrons but also helps establishments comply with local health department regulations, which is particularly important in a city like New York where food safety is strictly enforced.