California eFoodHandlers Practice Exam

Which type of food requires a food handler to wear gloves?

1. Raw meats

2. Ready-to-eat foods

3. Cooked foods

4. Frozen foods

The correct answer is: Ready-to-eat foods

The requirement for a food handler to wear gloves primarily pertains to ready-to-eat foods. These foods, which are not subject to further cooking or processing before being consumed, include items like salads, fruits, sandwiches, and baked goods. The use of gloves is essential when handling these types of foods to prevent cross-contamination and protect consumer health, as the handling process might introduce harmful bacteria or allergens from the food handler's hands. In contrast, while raw meats and cooked foods also warrant attention to safety practices, gloves are particularly emphasized for ready-to-eat foods because they are handled directly before consumption. Frozen foods may require specific handling procedures, but they are typically prepared or cooked before being eaten, which diminishes the immediate risk of contamination. Thus, wearing gloves while handling ready-to-eat foods is a critical practice to ensure food safety and public health.