Food safety
Protect hand wounds before food handling
Cover suitable minor wounds securely with a waterproof dressing. Stop direct food handling and seek advice if the wound is infected or cannot be covered safely.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
Why it matters
An uncovered wound or loose dressing can contaminate food.
Wrong action
Handling ready-to-eat food with a loose plaster over a cut.
Correct action
Cover suitable minor wounds securely with a waterproof dressing.
What to do
- Check the wound and dressing before touching food.
- Cover suitable minor wounds securely with a waterproof dressing.
- Stop direct food handling and seek advice if the wound is infected or cannot be covered safely.
If something happens
If someone becomes ill after eating, stop serving, keep food details and seek medical care. Call 999 for breathing difficulty, seizures or unconsciousness; do not induce vomiting.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — CFS: personal health and wounds
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.