What is a food handler?

A food handler is defined as an individual who directly prepares or serves food. This definition encompasses a wide range of tasks, including cooking, assembling dishes, and presenting food to customers. Food handlers are crucial in ensuring that food is not only prepared correctly but also safely, adhering to sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Understanding the role of a food handler is essential in the food service industry, as these individuals often work on the front lines where contamination risks can occur. Their knowledge of food safety protocols significantly impacts public health and the overall quality of dining experiences.

While managing kitchen staff, cleaning food service areas, and supervising food deliveries are important roles within food service, they do not directly involve the handling of food in a way that influences its safety and quality as a food handler does. Hence, focusing on the responsibilities of food handlers illuminates their pivotal role in a successful food operation.