A food handler is any person who works in a food establishment and handles packaged or unpackaged food, food equipment, or food-contact surfaces. Regulations governing what a food handler can wear are established to control hazards that could lead to contamination of the food supply. These standards are designed to prevent physical hazards from entering the food and maintain rigorous hygiene practices. The primary goal of these restrictions is to minimize the risk of jewelry falling into food or becoming a reservoir for harmful bacteria.
The Guiding Principle of Food Safety Regulations
The foundation of food safety regulations concerning personal items rests on mitigating two primary contamination risks. The first is physical contamination, which occurs when an object or a fragment, like a broken earring or a loose gemstone, falls into food. The second major concern is microbiological contamination, where jewelry acts as a surface that collects and harbors pathogens. The crevices, stones, and hinges found on most jewelry make thorough handwashing difficult, allowing bacteria to transfer from the item to food surfaces.
Jewelry That Is Strictly Prohibited
Most types of jewelry worn on the hands and arms are not permitted while handling or preparing food due to contamination risks. Rings featuring stones, decorative etchings, or grooves are strictly prohibited because they create spaces where food particles and germs can become trapped. Similarly, wrist adornments, including all types of watches and bracelets, are banned. This prohibition extends even to medical alert bracelets, which cannot be worn on the wrist or hand during food handling activities. These items obstruct the thorough washing of the hands and lower arms, compromising the overall hygiene of the food worker.
The Single Exception Allowed for Food Handlers
The only exception to the strict jewelry prohibition for food handlers is a single, plain metal ring worn on the finger. This item is typically a simple wedding band, but it must adhere to specific characteristics to be permissible. The ring must be completely smooth, meaning it can have no stones, grooves, or decorative engraving that could harbor debris or bacteria. This exception is granted because a plain band presents a minimal surface area and is easier to clean effectively. The smooth, solid construction ensures it is less likely to snag on gloves or equipment, reducing the chance of physical contamination.
Rules for Piercings and Other Body Adornments
Jewelry worn on parts of the body other than the hands and arms is generally subject to rules focused on security and coverage. Items like necklaces and earrings are allowed under federal guidelines, but they must be completely secured so they cannot dangle or fall into food. Small, tightly affixed stud earrings are usually considered the safest option, while any style that hangs or is overly large is discouraged. Facial piercings, such as those on the nose, lip, or eyebrow, are often prohibited unless they can be completely covered by a hairnet or beard restraint. If a piercing cannot be removed, it must be completely enclosed, or the employee must use a non-metal retainer to ensure it does not become a physical contaminant.
Local Rules and Employer Policies
Guidance provided by federal recommendations serves as a minimum baseline for food safety, but local health departments and individual employers have the authority to implement stricter rules. Food handlers should consult their local health department regulations and their specific employer handbook. Some local jurisdictions or corporate policies may enforce a “bare hand contact” rule that prohibits all hand and wrist jewelry, including the plain wedding band. These stricter policies are designed to further reduce the risk of microbiological contamination by ensuring nothing interferes with effective handwashing practices.