What is the best way for a food handler to have a beverage in their work area?

In a food handling environment, it is essential to maintain hygiene and safety standards to prevent contamination. The best way for a food handler to have a beverage involves using a cup with a lid and a straw. This method minimizes the risk of spills and prevents contaminants from entering the beverage, which is crucial in a setting where food is prepared and served.

Using a cup with a lid helps to keep the drink covered, reducing the chances of airborne contaminants, such as dust or droplets from sneezing or coughing, from getting into the beverage. A straw further allows for safe sipping without exposing the mouth to the environment directly, thereby also minimizing the risk of spillages that can lead to cross-contamination in the kitchen area.

In contrast, drinking directly from a can presents a higher risk, as there is potential for contaminants from hands or surfaces to transfer to the drinking edge. An open glass poses a similar hazard because it can easily be knocked over or contaminated. Placing a beverage on the kitchen counter without a lid also increases the risk of spills and contamination from food preparation activities, making it an unsafe practice in the food handling environment.