Personal Habits of Food Service Worker C o u r t n e y M a e B . M e n d o z a C a r e n E . A l v a r e z

Introduction In todays environment, it seems that personal appearance remains a key driver for employee identity. All food service employees must follow standard operating procedures. It is very important that head start food workers practice personal hygiene to reduce the risk of food borne illnesses. Knowing how to control and maintain personal hygiene is substantial to any food service operation.

Employee Health A worker with an illness such as a cold, cough or infection, or other communicable disease, cuts or burns could easily contaminate food. An employee who has been exposed to an infectious disease should consult a doctor before returning to work. Some persons may appear healthy but still harbor bacteria that can contaminate food. These people are called carriers Working while ill is also a common but unfortunate practice due to the need for continued income and employees feeling good enough to work, but bad enough to spread their germs!

Personal Hygiene Personal Hygiene - may be described as the principle of maintaining cleanliness and grooming of the external body. Set of practices associated with the preservation of health and healthy living. Deals with the promotion and preservation of health. Prevention of the spread of disease A condition or practice conducive to the preservation of health, as cleanliness

Habits

Hair: Question When you see someone with really greasy or flaky hair, what is your first response?

Hair under personal hygiene Washing your hair every day or every other day can help control oily hair. Each strand of hair has its own sebaceous (oil) gland, which keeps the hair shiny and waterproof.

Body Odor: Questions Do you have a body odor? In what situation do you feel that peoples body odor become unbearable?

Body Odor under personal hygiene Due to puberty, perspiration and sweat takes place that secretes different chemicals into the sweat the has a different odor/smell. The best way to keep clean is to bathe or shower every day, use a deodorant & a perfume.

Teeth: Questions What are some ways to keep your teeth clean? - Why is it important?

Teeth : Brushing under personal hygiene Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease. Teeth : Bad Breath under personal hygiene Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When a person doesnt brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in the mouth and between the teeth.

Healthy Food Handler Food Handler - anyone who handles food or items that may come into contact with food, such as eating and drinking utensils All food handlers are legally obliged to comply with the health and hygiene requirements set out in the Food Safety Standards.

Hygiene Requirements of Food Handlers: Take all practicable measures to ensure the body Take all practicable measures to prevent unnecessary contact with ready to eat food Ensure clothing is clean Must noot eat, sneeze, blow, cough , spit or smoke around food or food surfaces Wash hands whenever hands are likely to be a source of contamination Wash hands before working with ready to eat food after handling raw food

Employers Responsibility A food business must ensure food handlers do not handle food if there is a possibility of contamination through food-borne illness. A food business must maintain easily accessible hand washing facilities and supplies of warm running water, soap or other items to thoroughly clean hands. A food business must ensure food handlers have skills and knowledge in food safety and food hygiene matters relevant to their work.

Personal Habits of Food Workers Workers who have a cold, the flu or another communicable illness should inform their supervisor and not handle food. Report to work in good health, clean and dressed in clean attire. Change apron when it becomes soiled. Keep fingernails trimmed, filed and maintained. Bathe daily, using deodorant and washing hair regularly. The habit of not wearing any jewelry while handling food Treat and bandage wounds and sores immediately. When hands are bandaged, wear single-use gloves to cover the bandage. Do not chew gum while on duty. Wear suitable and effective hair restraints while in the kitchen.

Personal Habits : Cleanliness The outer clothing of all employees must be clean. Employees must maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness during all periods of duty. Hair nets, head bands, caps or other effective hair restraints must be worn by all persons engaged in the preparation and service of food to keep hair from food and food-contact surfaces. Personal Habits : Clothing Shoes and clothing must be comfortable in order to avoid fatigue, poor posture and to prevent accidents. Garments should not be too loosely (falling) or tightly worn.

Personal Habits : Hand Washing Employees must wash their hands and exposed portions of their arms Personal Habits : Finger nails Food employees must keep their fingernails trimmed, filed, and maintained Many germs get caught underneath long nails and can get into food while it is being prepared; once there, they will multiply, causing the food to become contaminated.

Personal Habits : People in Kitchens Only authorized individuals, necessary for the operation of the food service establishment, or as part of an organized educational event, are allowed to be in the food preparation or utensil washing areas Personal Habits : Cleaning Procedure Food employees must clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms Thoroughly rinse with clean water Employees must pay particular attention to the areas underneath the fingernails and between the finger

Personal Habits : Smoking Employees must not smoke or use tobacco in any form while working in the preparation Smoking is not permitted in food storage and preparation areas or in areas where utensils are cleaned or stored Personal Habits : Illness Disease can be passed from person to person As a food service employee, your health habits affect you and your work and the health of those around you