Can a food handler taste food to adjust seasoning?

A food handler can indeed taste food to adjust seasoning, but it is important to do so safely and hygienically. The correct approach involves using a tasting utensil that is only used once to prevent cross-contamination. This practice ensures that any bacteria or pathogens from the food handler's mouth do not contaminate the dish.

Using the same utensil multiple times could lead to the introduction of harmful microorganisms into the food, which is why it is not a safe practice. Tasting food is not prohibited, as it is a necessary part of food preparation to ensure flavors are right; therefore, taste testing is acceptable but must be carried out using proper methods.

Tasting food that has not been cooked or under certain conditions may not be safe, as raw ingredients can harbor bacteria that cooking would normally eliminate. Thus, tasting uncooked items without proper precautions may pose a risk, reinforcing the importance of using a single-use utensil for safe food handling practices.