Food handlers, in restaurants or any establishment that processes and serves food, need to maintain high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness to prevent food contamination. Due to the possibility of physical contamination (when foreign objects contaminate the food), jewelry worn by food handlers is significantly restricted. Depending on local health department regulations and the policies of individual establishments, jewelry rules can vary slightly; however, there are some general guidelines that are mostly universally followed.
1. Rings: Food handlers are typically allowed to wear a plain band ring without stones, grooves, or crevices where food particles or bacteria could lodge. An example would be a simple wedding band. Decorative rings, rings with stones, or any other large, ornate pieces of hand jewelry are usually not permitted as they can pose risks for physical or bacterial contamination.
2. Bracelets and Watches: These are generally not allowed, as they could fall into the food, create difficulty in washing hands properly, or cause unnoticed food spillage on them leading to bacterial growth.
3. Necklaces: Necklaces are usually not allowed in food handling areas. If a necklace falls into food or a container, it becomes a physical hazard.
4. Earrings: Small, stud earrings may be allowed in some places, but larger or dangling earrings that could accidentally fall into food are typically prohibited.
5. Facial Jewelry: Nose rings, lip rings, eyebrow piercings, or other facial jewelry could pose a similar risk as earrings, and are usually not allowed. However, some establishments may allow small, secure facial jewelry.
6. Body Jewelry: As with other forms of jewelry, body jewelry, such as belly button rings or other piercings, is not appropriate for a food handling environment, mainly for reasons of hygiene and safety.
In situations where food handlers unfortunately may not be able to remove their jewelry due to religious, cultural, or personal reasons, they must ensure that the jewelry is covered with a full-sleeved, snug-fitting glove or a cloth to prevent it from coming in contact with food or food-preparation areas.
Before starting a job in the food industry, one should always familiarize themselves with the specific jewelry policy of their workplace. It's crucial to remember that these measures are to ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illnesses. At the end of the day, the aim is to serve our customers the safest food possible, and that often means making personal sacrifices on jewelry while on duty.