What is the appropriate action for a food handler with a wound or boil on their hand?

The appropriate action for a food handler with a wound or boil on their hand is to bandage the wound with an impermeable cover and wear a single-use glove. This practice is critical for ensuring food safety because it provides a barrier that reduces the risk of contamination from the wound. Food handlers are required to maintain high hygiene standards to prevent the transmission of pathogens that can originate from cuts, wounds, or boils.

By using an impermeable cover, the handler protects both the food and themselves by preventing any fluids from the wound from coming into contact with food or surfaces in the food preparation area. Wearing a single-use glove further enhances safety by providing an additional layer of protection and ensuring that the wound is not directly touching any food products. This combination of actions aligns with food safety protocols designed to safeguard public health and comply with regulations.

Choosing to ignore the wound, simply bandage it without proper protection, or leaving the job until it heals could jeopardize food safety or lead to unnecessary work disruptions. Safely managing the situation while still being able to fulfill job duties is the best approach.