Personal Hygiene


Essential practices like regular hand washing, wearing clean uniforms, and maintaining short nails to avoid contaminating food.

Related Terms

Non-Latex Gloves Usage

Some TXDSHS-regulated establishments prefer nitrile or vinyl gloves to prevent latex allergies. S...

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Cross-Contact

The transfer of allergens from one food or surface to another, similar to cross-contamination but...

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Cross-Contamination

The unintentional transfer of bacteria or allergens from one surface or food product to another. ...

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Employee Meal Policy

Some establishments permit staff meals or drinks under strict guidelines (e.g., no free alcohol, ...

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Bare-Hand Contact

Direct touching of ready-to-eat foods without gloves or utensils. TXDSHS typically prohibits this...

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Food Allergy

An immune response to proteins in specific foods (e.g., peanuts, shellfish); can cause serious re...

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Contaminated Equipment

Utensils, cutting boards, or machines harboring pathogens or allergens. Food handlers must wash, ...

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Tablet Self-Ordering Stations

Kiosks where customers select menu items. TXDSHS recommends cleaning touchscreens regularly. TABC...

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Food Contact Surfaces

Any surface that directly contacts food (cutting boards, prep tables). Food handler rules mandate...

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Table-Side Preparation

Made-at-the-table dishes (e.g., guacamole, Caesar salad). TXDSHS states staff must bring sanitati...

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Shared Plate Cross-Contamination

Occurs when multiple diners share dishes, risking allergen or pathogen transfer. Staff should pro...

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Employee Drink Container Rules

Some kitchens allow drinks in covered cups to prevent spills into food; TXDSHS mandates storing t...

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Hair Restraint Requirement

TXDSHS mandates hats, hairnets, or similar coverings to prevent hair from contaminating food or s...

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Gel Sanitizer Standards

Hand sanitizers can complement but not replace hand washing in most TXDSHS rules; TABC also notes...

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Hand Washing Procedure

The correct sequence: wet hands, apply soap, scrub 10–15 seconds, rinse, and dry with a single-us...

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Sampler Platters

Multiple food items on one plate; risk of cross-contamination if raw or allergen-containing items...

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Food Handler Certification

A state-approved credential ensuring individuals understand basic food safety practices. In Texas...

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Pest Control

Methods to prevent or eliminate rodents, insects, or other pests in food establishments. TXDSHS r...

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Service Animals

Dogs or miniature horses trained to assist individuals with disabilities; TXDSHS allows them in f...

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Ice Bin Protocol

Keeping ice used in drinks separate from ice used to chill food or store bottles. Food handlers m...

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Observational Checklist

A tool used by managers to monitor staff compliance with hand washing, temperature logs, or ID ch...

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Gluten-Free Handling Procedures

Preventing wheat cross-contact for sensitive patrons by using separate prep spaces or utensils. T...

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Laundering Linens

Proper washing and storage of towels, aprons, and uniforms, preventing cross-contamination. Some ...

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Gloves Usage

Disposable gloves reduce bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods. TXDSHS requires changing glov...

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TXDSHS Rules

Regulations set by the Texas Department of State Health Services outlining safe food handling and...

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Open Flame Candles on Tables

Ambiance or warming. TXDSHS warns of fire hazards near flammable décor. TABC warns staff to monit...

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Chemical Storage Separation

Storing cleaning chemicals away from food, utensils, or single-use items to prevent accidental in...

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