What must a food handler with an infected hand wound do to work safely with food?

A food handler with an infected hand wound must cover the wound with an impermeable cover and wear single-use gloves to work safely with food. This practice is critical because it prevents contaminants from the wound from coming into direct contact with food items, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. The impermeable cover acts as a barrier that keeps harmful pathogens contained, while the single-use gloves provide an additional layer of protection.

While frequent hand washing is essential for general food safety, it alone would not adequately protect food from potential contamination stemming from an infected wound. Avoiding food handling altogether is a viable consideration in specific situations, but it may not always be necessary if proper precautions are taken. Simply bandaging the wound with a cloth does not ensure that the pathogens will not pass through, making impermeable covers a more effective choice for maintaining food safety.