What can an employee with an uninfected cut on their hand do?

An employee with an uninfected cut on their hand should wear a clean bandage and sanitary gloves to protect the cut while working. This practice is crucial in food handling environments because it prevents any potential contamination of food from even minor injuries. A clean bandage covers the cut, minimizing the risk of bacteria entering the wound or being transferred to food or surfaces. Additionally, wearing sanitary gloves further provides a barrier against contaminants. This approach aligns with food safety regulations aimed at safeguarding public health by ensuring that any employees handling food maintain strict hygiene practices, especially when they have minor injuries that could pose a risk, however small.

In contrast, simply working without a bandage poses an unnecessary risk of bacteria from the cut contaminating the food. Similarly, working without gloves does not provide a protective barrier and would not meet the necessary hygiene standards in food handling. Using only hand sanitizer may not be sufficient for effective protection in the case of an open wound.