At the dining halls I work out all employees must wear hats or hairnets and gloves at all times no exceptions!
At all the restaurants I have ever eaten at I have never seen waiters or waitresses wear gloves or hairnets/hats ever! I feel as if this a huge sanitation violation because waiters and waitress directly touch with their bare skin dishware customers eat off of. Not only that hair can get into their food.
So how come restaurants can pass health inspections (the obviously do because I've never seen a waiter wear gloves or hairnets) given that waiters don't have to wear gloves or hairnets. I think it's sick that they don't. Waiters could touch counters or other no sanitary objects, or touch one customers plate with a certain food on it, and then go and touch another customers plate to put it on the table which might have different food on it. There's also the hair thing.
How is this safe and sanitary? How on earth do health inspections allow this?
Are you writing a paper on this topic?
No it just occurred to me as something intriguing. I don't see how anyone can argue that it's ok for waiters and waitresses to not wear hats/hairnets or gloves but apparently it's ok because restaurants pass health inspections. I have eaten at many restaurants and have never seen a waiter wear hairnet/hat or gloves. I guess it saves money but don't understand how it's safe at all.
Every state has its own set of laws to cover these kinds of things. It's not necessarily a matter of logic!
Be sure to check out your own state's health laws regarding restaurants. Find out how any eating establishment gets a grade of A (or whatever is "passing" in the state) ... and what happens if they don't.
While it may seem concerning that waitstaff in restaurants do not wear gloves or hairnets, there are several factors to consider regarding sanitation regulations and health inspections. The specific requirements for food service establishments can vary based on local health codes and regulations. However, I can explain some of the reasons why you may not typically see waiters or waitresses wearing gloves or hairnets in restaurants.
1. Handwashing: Instead of wearing gloves, one of the primary focuses is on proper hand hygiene. In most food establishments, employees are required to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly. This includes before handling food, after handling potentially contaminated items, after using the restroom, and after touching their face or hair. Handwashing is considered an effective way to maintain cleanliness and prevent cross-contamination.
2. Safe handling practices: Restaurants follow protocols to ensure that servers handle dishes in a sanitary manner. They are trained to hold plates and glasses from the bottom or the edges, minimizing the contact with the inner surfaces. Additionally, servers are expected to avoid touching the food itself, especially if it is going to be served directly to the customer.
3. Common sense and training: Professional establishments emphasize proper food handling practices and employee training. Restaurant staff is typically aware of the risks of cross-contamination and are expected to take precautions to maintain food safety. This includes not touching unsanitary surfaces, avoiding contact between different food items, and keeping personal hygiene a priority.
4. Regular health inspections: Restaurants undergo periodic health inspections to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Health inspectors assess a variety of factors including food storage, cleanliness, temperature control, and proper handling techniques. If a restaurant consistently fails to meet the required standards, they risk penalties and closure.
Ultimately, while hairnets and gloves may be mandatory for kitchen staff in some places, the focus for waitstaff is on hand hygiene and safe handling practices. It's important to note that while it's understandable to be concerned about sanitation, the regulations and practices in place are designed to minimize risks and maintain food safety standards. If you have specific concerns about a particular establishment, it's recommended to report it to the local health department, who can investigate and address the issue.