What should a food handler do if they accidentally drop food on the floor?

If a food handler accidentally drops food on the floor, the appropriate action is to discard the food and begin preparing new food. This is critical for maintaining food safety standards. Food that has been dropped on the floor can come into contact with harmful bacteria, dirt, and other contaminants that are present on that surface. Even if the food appears clean after washing or if it can be reprocessed, there is a high risk of foodborne illness associated with consuming contaminated food.

Choosing to discard the food ensures that there is no risk to consumers from potential contamination. Starting anew with fresh ingredients allows for the preparation of safe food that meets health regulations and maintains the integrity of the establishment’s food safety practices.