Food handlers - fitness to work

If you handle food, you have a responsibility to do all you can to avoid spreading germs.

Wash your hands

Washing your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap will help to avoid contamination, particularly at the following times:

• after using the toilet at home and at work
• before starting work or after taking a break
• after handling rubbish
• after handling raw foods
• after smoking, eating or drinking
• after putting your hand over your nose or mouth
• after touching your hair

Dry your hands after you have washed them.

Tell your boss if you are unwell

If you have been sick, have diarrhoea, feel unwell, or were ill while on holiday, and if anyone in your household is sick or has diarrhoea you must tell your boss.

Checklist for good hygiene practice

• wash and dry your hands thoroughly after going to the WC and before handling food
• do not handle food if you are suffering from diarrhoea and/or vomiting
• tell your boss if you or anyone in your household is ill
• tell your boss if you have infected cuts or sores
• use bright coloured waterproof coverings (blue) for cuts and grazes
• do not spit, smoke, eat or chew gum when you are handling food
• make sure your work clothes are clean
• keep your workplace, especially surfaces and utensils, clean
• tell your boss if you were ill while on holiday
• if you have to visit the doctor, remember to say you are a food handler