Why must food handlers have their hair covered?

Food handlers must have their hair covered primarily to prevent hair from falling into food and to maintain hygiene standards. Hair can carry microorganisms and other contaminants that pose a risk to food safety. By covering hair, food handlers significantly reduce the likelihood of contamination, which is crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses.

Maintaining hygiene is a central aspect of food safety protocols; therefore, ensuring that hair is secured and covered helps uphold these important standards in food preparation and service environments. Proper hair coverage is a visual cue of professionalism in food service, but the primary focus remains on the health and safety of the food being prepared and served.