What is the consequence of poor personal hygiene among food handlers?

The consequence of poor personal hygiene among food handlers is an increased risk of foodborne illness. When food handlers do not maintain proper hygiene practices, such as inadequate handwashing, wearing dirty clothing, or failing to handle food safely, they can contaminate food with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These pathogens can then be transmitted to consumers, leading to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.

Maintaining high standards of personal hygiene is critical in food service environments as it directly affects the safety of the food being prepared and served. This underscores the importance of training food handlers in proper hygiene practices to minimize health risks and ensure the well-being of consumers. Other consequences listed, such as improved food quality, lower production costs, or faster service time, do not arise from poor hygiene but rather are typically the result of improved practices and protocols in food handling.