After observing a food handler removing plastic bags of garbage and temporarily placing them on the prep table, what should the manager do?

After observing a food handler removing plastic bags of garbage and temporarily placing them on the prep table, what should the manager do?

• A. Ignore the behavior and allow bags on the prep table
• B. Stop the food handler immediately and review the correct procedures for garbage handling
• C. Wait until after service to address
• D. Contact the health department

Answer: (B)

Preventing cross-contamination in the prep area is the main idea here. Garbage must stay away from food contact surfaces, kept in designated, covered waste containers, and removed promptly. When a worker places garbage bags on the prep table, intervene right away to stop the action and reinforce proper garbage-handling procedures. Move the bags to a closed trash can or outside container, then wipe and sanitize the prep surface if it was exposed. Follow up with a quick retraining or reminder of the facility’s waste-management rules to prevent a recurrence. Ignoring the behavior or delaying action risks contamination, and contacting the health department is not the immediate step unless violations persist or escalate.

Preventing cross-contamination in the prep area is the main idea here. Garbage must stay away from food contact surfaces, kept in designated, covered waste containers, and removed promptly. When a worker places garbage bags on the prep table, intervene right away to stop the action and reinforce proper garbage-handling procedures. Move the bags to a closed trash can or outside container, then wipe and sanitize the prep surface if it was exposed. Follow up with a quick retraining or reminder of the facility’s waste-management rules to prevent a recurrence. Ignoring the behavior or delaying action risks contamination, and contacting the health department is not the immediate step unless violations persist or escalate.