Nails

  • Keep nails short, filed and clean. Scrub under them.
  • No nail polish or fake nails when working with open food, unless you wear intact gloves over them.

Sources: Food Code 2-302.11

Jewelry

Only a plain band (like a wedding ring) is allowed on hands and arms. Take off:

  • Rings with stones or engravings
  • Watches and smartwatches
  • Bracelets and fitness trackers
  • Medical alert bracelets (wear medical ID as a necklace instead)
  • Hand or wrist piercings

Take jewelry off before washing hands and keep it away from food.

Sources: Food Code 2-303.11

Hair and beards

  • Wear a hat, cap, hairnet or head covering. Tie long hair back under it.
  • Wear a beard net if you have a beard or long mustache.
  • Put restraints on before you wash your hands.
  • Clips and pins go under the covering, not on top.
  • Don't touch your hair, beard or face in food areas. If you do, wash hands and change gloves.
  • Workers who only hand out drinks or wrapped food may be exempt.

Sources: Food Code 2-402.11

Clothes, eating and drinking

  • Wear clean outer clothes and a clean apron.
  • Eat, drink, smoke or vape only in the break area.
  • A personal drink at your station needs a lid and straw and stays away from food and clean dishes.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow, then wash your hands.
  • Take your apron off for the restroom and trash.
  • Never wipe your hands on your clothes or apron.

Sources: Food Code 2-304.11 · Food Code 2-401.11 · Food Code 2-401.12 · Source protocols: personal hygiene guide (apron off for restroom and trash)

The rules behind it

  • Personal hygiene. Short clean nails, no jewelry but a plain band, hair and beard restraints, clean outer clothing, no eating or drinking at food stations. Food Code 2-302.11, 2-303.11, 2-304.11, 2-401.11, 2-402.11; R392-102-14(9)–(14)