Unit 4.1 Introduction to Culinary Arts

Personal hygiene is important to keep the food safe to consume and the work place clean. Why is personal hygiene important in the Culinary workforce? Taking care of ones overall well being and health through practices of cleanliness.

 Dressed in a complete and clean uniform for each shift. ◦ Change jacket, apron and side towels as often as needed ◦ Do not wear uniform outside of the workplace  No jewelry: it can pose a safety risk by getting caught in machinery or falling in food  Hair should be pulled back and enclosed at all times under a cap, hair net or hat.  Nails need to be short and clean without polish  Wash your hand before and after every task  Wear safety shoes to prevent slipping, and to protect against hot liquids and falling knives

 Only keep needed tools at your workspace  Immediately discard trimmings  Keeps appropriate items refrigerated  Do not store foods in their cooking liquid or sauce  Never defrost items at room temperature  Clean and wash fruit and vegetables before cooking  Make sure all equipment has been properly washed before being used or put away into its storage place

 Every time you move from one task to another task your hands should be washed such as taking out the trash to cutting vegetables. After touching raw meats your hands should be wash to avoid contaminating other foods in the kitchen.  As a general rule you hands should be washed after every time they are dirty. How often should you wash your hands? Washing your hands keeps them clean. Its important to remove bacteria and other contaminants from your hands so that you or some else do not get sick.

 A great rule of thumb: gloves should be changed as often as you would wash your hands. Used gloves should be properly discarded and not reused.  Hands should be washed before putting on gloves as a sanitation precaution. How often should gloves be changed? Gloves are a great protective barrier in the kitchen to keep your hands and the food safe from bacteria and cross contamination

Video for putting on and taking off gloves: When touching any food that will not be cooked after being touched. When you have cuts on your hands.