Which of the following is NOT a basic personal hygiene rule for food handlers?

Coughing into food is a clear violation of basic personal hygiene rules for food handlers. Personal hygiene practices are essential in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring the safety of food being prepared and served. One foundational aspect of food safety is for food handlers to avoid any actions that could contaminate food. Coughing into food directly exposes it to respiratory droplets, which can carry pathogens and lead to the spread of illness.

In contrast, washing hands before cooking, wearing a clean uniform, and keeping nails short are all practices that help maintain cleanliness and safety standards. Regular hand washing prevents the transfer of contaminants from hands to food, wearing a clean uniform ensures that no dirt or bacteria from clothing can compromise food safety, and keeping nails short minimizes the risks of bacteria harboring underneath longer nails. These practices collectively help reduce the risk of food contamination and promote overall hygiene standards in food handling.