Health & Hygiene Requirements for Food Handlers (Show all)

Hand Washing - Do food handlers wash their hands before commencing/recommencing work?

Guidance		Food handlers must wash their hands in accordance with Standard 3.2.2 cl 15(4) of the Code: whenever they are likely to be a source of contamination; and immediately before working with ready-to-eat food after handling raw food. Additionally, food handlers must wash their hands in accordance with Standard 3.2.2 cl 15(4) when handling unprotected food or touching food contact surfaces: before commencing or re-commencing handling food; immediately after smoking, coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or tissue, eating, drinking , using tobacco or similar substances; and after touching their hair, scalp or a body opening (see Standard 3.2.2 cl 15 (2), (3) of the Code). The reference to ‘whenever their hands are likely to be a source of contamination of food’ is intended to capture any circumstance in which a food handler may need to wash their hands to protect the safety of food. For example, after handling garbage, animals, money, texting or answering the phone or after using the toilet.
Non-compliance	Minor	N/A
	Major	N/A
	Critical	A food handler not washing their hands upon commencing or recommencing food handling. E.g. a food handler does not wash their hands before handling food, returning from a break, after removing rubbish from the premises or after working on the cash register. A food handler handling raw food not washing their hands before beginning to directly handle ready-to-eat foods. E.g. cracking raw eggs into pan and moving to slice mushrooms for a salad. A food handler not washing their hands after smoking or using tobacco or similar substance. A food handler not washing their hands after coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue. A food handler not washing their hands after eating or drinking, touching parts of their body, including face, hair, scalp or body openings or other items such as mobile phones.