Personal hygiene — Food Safety Glossary

The personal cleanliness and health practices food handlers must follow to avoid contaminating food.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main personal hygiene rules for food handlers?

Keep hands and clothing clean, wash hands at the right times, restrain hair, cover cuts with a waterproof dressing, avoid touching your face or hair over food, and do not spit, smoke or eat where open food is handled. These reflect the health and hygiene duties in Standard 3.2.2.

Do I have to tell my employer if I am sick?

Yes. If you have or may have a foodborne illness, or symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or a sore throat with fever, you must report it to your supervisor. Where there is a risk of contaminating food you must not handle food until you are well.

Can food handlers wear jewellery or nail polish?

The Code does not ban them outright, but many businesses limit jewellery and nail polish because they can harbour bacteria or become a physical hazard if a stone, bead or flake falls into food. Follow your food business's own policy.

Why should wound dressings be brightly coloured?

A bright, often blue, waterproof dressing is easy to see against most foods, so if it comes loose it can be spotted and removed quickly. It also keeps the wound covered to stop bacteria from the cut reaching food.

Is personal hygiene a legal requirement in Australia?

Yes. The health and hygiene requirements for food handlers sit in Standard 3.2.2 of the Food Standards Code, which is enforced through state and territory food laws. Businesses must ensure handlers meet these obligations.

Handwashing Standard 3.2.2 - Food Safety Practices and General Requirements Food handler Cross-contamination Skills and knowledge (food safety) Food safety glossary Food safety guides
Home Features Free Tools Food Safety Australia Food Safety Glossary Blog Pricing About Contact