GREENSBORO, NC -- A 2 Wants 2 Know viewer, new to the area, noticed some restaurant workers handling food without gloves so she asked, "Why do food handlers not have to wear gloves here?"
In the state of North Carolina, not all restaurant workers are required to wear gloves.
But let’s clarify.
Workers who handle ready-to eat food, like a cold-cut sandwich, salads, etc., have to wear gloves or use utensils to keep their bare hands from touching your food.
But, keep in mind, if they are making foods that have to be cooked, like a pizza or a burger, they can use their bare hands before the food is cooked.
“People have an expectation that their food will be handled even more carefully than it's handled at their home,” said Guy Bradley, the owner of Big Burger Spot.
Another thing to keep in mind is that whoever is handling your food needs to "effectively" restrain their hair.
In other words, the health department doesn't specifically require hairnets but someone handling your food should keep their hair from moving around and getting in your food.
“Some of us don't have much hair but we still have to wear it,” Bradley said with a chuckle.
When it comes to gloves versus hand washing, the health department says both play an equal role if proper procedures are followed.
If not, the same violations and cross contamination can happen with both.
That means, look to see if employees are regularly washing their hands or frequently changing gloves
Also pay attention to the overall cleanliness of the restaurant because the inspection score is only as good as it was the day the place was inspected.
If you notice a violation, health inspectors recommend you tell the manager and call the health department.
The health department is required by law to investigate your allegation.
Health inspectors usually do a thorough inspection of restaurants two to four times a year.
To report a violation in Greensboro, call: 336-641-3771
To check local restaurant scores, click here.
To read the Food Code manual, click here.
To get in touch with any Environmental Health Department in any county of NC check out the list below.