Answer :
Final answer:
When leaving the food preparation area, food handlers should wash and dry their hands and change gloves to maintain cleanliness before doing anything else, such as taking a break or clocking out, depending on the establishment's standard operating procedures.
Explanation:
When leaving the food preparation area, food handlers should first perform a series of important tasks to ensure cleanliness and food safety. These tasks include washing hands thoroughly to eliminate germs, especially after handling raw meat, poultry, and seafood as well as cleaning work surfaces, cutting boards, utensils, and equipment. It is crucial to wash and dry all equipment, dishes, and utensils before returning them to the correct storage space, and to place all trash in the proper receptacles.
In situations where food handlers wear gloves, they should change gloves after washing their hands to prevent cross-contamination. However, the correct answer to the student's question would depend on the protocols of the specific food service establishment. Typically, these procedures are followed up by informing a manager about leaving the work area, ensuring one's workstation is clean, and following through with any necessary actions such as clocking out at the end of a shift or taking assigned breaks during work hours. Cleanliness and maintaining professional appearance are part of providing excellent customer service, and respecting the established protocols of the food preparation area is critical.
