What is the correct sequence of actions for a food service worker when switching tasks?

The correct sequence for a food service worker when switching tasks is to switch gloves, wash hands, and then continue. This practice is essential in maintaining food safety and preventing cross-contamination.

When a worker switches tasks, they often move from handling one type of food or ingredient to another, which may involve different allergens or pathogens. By switching gloves, the worker ensures that residues from the previous task do not transfer to the new task. Washing hands afterward further reinforces hygiene protocols by removing any potential pathogens lingering on the skin.

This sequence helps to uphold food safety standards as mandated by health regulations, which require that food workers maintain a high level of cleanliness to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses.

In contrast, simply switching gloves without washing hands does not adequately address potential contaminants, while washing hands only might not be sufficient if the worker does not also change their gloves. Continuing without any actions could pose the greatest risk, as it does not address the critical need for cleanliness when switching between different food handling tasks.