AAA Food Manager Certification Practice Test

What should be done if an employee did not wash their hands?

1. Reprimand them verbally

2. Allow them to continue working if they agree

3. The employee must wash hands for 20 seconds and be retrained

4. Only a verbal reminder is necessary

The correct answer is: The employee must wash hands for 20 seconds and be retrained

If an employee did not wash their hands, the correct course of action involves ensuring that they wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds and undergo retraining. This response emphasizes the importance of proper hand hygiene in maintaining food safety. Handwashing is a critical practice in preventing foodborne illnesses, as unwashed hands can transfer pathogens to food that will be consumed. By requiring the employee to wash their hands immediately, it ensures that any potential contaminants are removed before they continue working. Additionally, retraining reinforces the importance of handwashing and educates the employee on proper hygiene protocols, helping to prevent future lapses. It serves as an important reminder that maintaining food safety standards is crucial in any food service environment and that employees must be held accountable and educated on best practices to ensure the health and safety of customers.