Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

What is the appropriate action to take if a food handler sneezes on the prep table?

1. Wipe the table with a clean towel

2. Sanitize the table immediately

3. Continue food preparation

4. Discard the food on the table

The correct answer is: Sanitize the table immediately

When a food handler sneezes on the prep table, the appropriate action to take is to sanitize the table immediately. This is important because sneezing can introduce potentially harmful bacteria and pathogens onto the surface where food is prepared. Sanitizing the table will help eliminate any contamination and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. It is crucial to maintain a clean and sanitary environment in food preparation areas to ensure the safety of the food being served to customers. The other options are not appropriate actions to take in this situation: - Wiping the table with a clean towel may remove some of the visible debris but will not effectively eliminate any harmful bacteria introduced by the sneeze. - Continuing food preparation without sanitizing the table can lead to cross-contamination and pose a health risk to consumers. - Discarding the food on the table may be necessary if it has come into direct contact with the sneeze, but sanitizing the table should also be done to prevent further contamination.