Food handlers: fitness to work
Staff who handle food have a responsibility to ensure that they prepare, cook and serve food in a hygienic way.
It is easy to pass on germs when handling food. To prevent this food handlers must:
- Always wash their hands
- Tell the boss if they are unwell
Wash hands thoroughly using warm water and soap and dry them:
- After using the toilet, at home or at work
- Before starting work and after breaks
- After handling raw food
- After handling rubbish
Tell the boss if:
- You have been sick (vomiting)
- You have diarrhoea
- You have infected (red, swollen, pus containing) sores or cuts
- You feel unwell
- You were ill while on holiday
- Anyone in your household has sickness/diarrhoea
Food handlers must be symptom free for 48 hours before returning to work and should check with their employers and GP before returning.
Food handlers: fitness to work - Food Standards AgencyOpens new window
