A food service worker must not have direct contact with food if they:

A food service worker must not have direct contact with food if they have a wound that is draining because open wounds can harbor harmful bacteria and pathogens, which can contaminate food and pose a serious risk to food safety. This is especially critical in a food service environment, where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount to preventing foodborne illnesses.

When an employee has a draining wound, it is essential to take precautions to ensure that the wound is properly covered and that the worker avoids handling food directly. Even with gloves and proper handwashing, the risk of contamination may still exist if the underlying health issue is not addressed.

In contrast, wearing gloves, having recently washed hands, and using a food thermometer are all practices that, when done correctly, help maintain food safety and hygiene standards rather than compromise them.