How can employees help prevent hepatitis A transmission?

Practicing good personal hygiene is crucial in preventing the transmission of hepatitis A. This virus is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, often due to inadequate handwashing after using the restroom or before handling food. Employees who maintain high standards of personal hygiene, including regular and thorough handwashing with soap and water, minimize the risk of contaminating food with the virus.

Additionally, sanitizing surfaces and following proper protocols for personal cleanliness can further protect food safety and public health. Knowledge of hepatitis A, its transmission methods, and the importance of hygiene can empower employees to take action that helps safeguard against outbreaks in food service settings.

The other options describe practices that either fail to address hygiene concerns appropriately or that are not feasible or effective in a food service context. For instance, avoiding food handling altogether is impractical in a food service environment, and preparing food without washing hands increases the risk of contamination. Consuming only cold food does not eliminate the risk of hepatitis A, especially since the virus can survive at various temperatures. Without the practice of good personal hygiene, these measures would not adequately protect against the spread of hepatitis A.