14 Food Handler Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various food handler interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common Food Handler Interview Questions
- How long have you been working with food?
- What are your responsibilities when handling food?
- What are the most important safety and sanitation practices when handling food?
- What should you do if you drop food on the floor?
- How often should you wash your hands when handling food?
- What are some of the common foodborne illnesses and how can they be prevented?
- What should you do if you suspect that food is contaminated?
- How should you store food to prevent contamination?
- How do you properly clean and sanitize food-contact surfaces?
- What are some of the common food allergens and how can they be avoided?
- How can cross-contamination be prevented when handling food?
- What are some of the signs and symptoms of food poisoning?
- What should you do if you think you or someone else has contracted food poisoning?
- How can you prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses?
How long have you been working with food?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask "How long have you been working with food?" to a food handler. First, they may be trying to gauge the level of experience the food handler has. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine if the food handler is capable of performing the job they are applying for. Second, the interviewer may be trying to determine if the food handler has any experience working with specific types of food. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine if the food handler is familiar with the type of food that will be served at the event or venue they are interviewing for. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to determine if the food handler has any experience working in a fast-paced environment. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine if the food handler is capable of keeping up with the demands of a busy event or venue.
Example: “I have been working with food for over 10 years. I have experience in both the front and back of the house, as well as with catering and events. I am comfortable working with all types of food, from raw ingredients to finished dishes. I am also experienced in food safety and sanitation procedures.”
What are your responsibilities when handling food?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the food handler's level of knowledge and experience with handling food. It is important to know how to properly handle food in order to avoid contamination and foodborne illness.
Example: “When handling food, my responsibilities include keeping the food clean, keeping myself clean, and keeping the work area clean. I also need to make sure that food is cooked properly and served safely.”
What are the most important safety and sanitation practices when handling food?
There are many foodborne illnesses that can be prevented by following proper safety and sanitation practices when handling food. These practices include washing hands thoroughly, keeping food clean and free of contaminants, cooking food properly, and storing food safely. By following these practices, food handlers can help prevent the spread of illness and keep food safe to eat.
Example: “The most important safety and sanitation practices when handling food include:
-Washing your hands thoroughly and often, especially after handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood.
-Keeping all food preparation surfaces clean and sanitized.
-Cooking food to the proper temperature to kill any harmful bacteria.
-Avoiding cross contamination by keeping raw and cooked food separate.
-Refrigerating or freezing perishable food promptly.”
What should you do if you drop food on the floor?
There are several reasons why an interviewer might ask a food handler what they should do if they drop food on the floor. First, it is important to know how food handlers will react in the event of a food spill, as this can help to prevent the spread of bacteria and other contaminants. Second, food handlers need to be aware of the proper procedures for cleaning up a food spill, in order to ensure that the area is sanitized and safe for other customers. Finally, asking this question can help to gauge a food handler's knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures, which is essential in ensuring that food is prepared and served safely.
Example: “If you drop food on the floor, you should pick it up and throw it away. You should also clean the area where the food fell.”
How often should you wash your hands when handling food?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the food handler's level of knowledge about food safety. It is important to wash hands thoroughly and often when handling food, in order to prevent the spread of bacteria and other contaminants.
Example: “You should wash your hands thoroughly and often when handling food, especially raw food. It is recommended that you wash your hands:
-Before and after handling food
-After using the restroom
-After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
-After touching animals or animal waste
-Whenever they become dirty”
What are some of the common foodborne illnesses and how can they be prevented?
A foodborne illness is an illness that is caused by eating contaminated food. Common foodborne illnesses include Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. These illnesses can be prevented by cooking food properly, washing hands thoroughly, and avoiding cross contamination.
Example: “There are many different types of foodborne illness, but some of the most common include salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. These illnesses can be caused by contaminated food or water, improper food handling, or cross contamination.
To prevent foodborne illness, it is important to practice proper food safety and hygiene. This includes washing your hands thoroughly, cooking food to the proper temperature, and avoiding cross contamination.”
What should you do if you suspect that food is contaminated?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the food handler's knowledge of food safety procedures. It is important to know what to do if you suspect that food is contaminated because it can help prevent people from becoming sick.
Example: “If you suspect that food is contaminated, you should not eat it and should instead throw it away. You should also wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you have eaten contaminated food and become ill, you should see a doctor.”
How should you store food to prevent contamination?
One of the key ways to prevent food contamination is to store food properly. This means keeping food at the correct temperature, sealing it properly, and keeping it away from potential contaminants. Proper food storage can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and keep food fresh for longer.
Example: “You should store food in clean, covered containers at a temperature that is appropriate for the type of food. For example, raw meat should be stored at a lower temperature than cooked meat.”
How do you properly clean and sanitize food-contact surfaces?
The interviewer is asking how the food handler cleans and sanitizes food-contact surfaces to ensure that the surfaces are clean and free of bacteria. It is important to clean and sanitize food-contact surfaces because these surfaces can come into contact with food and cause contamination.
Example: “Cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces is important to prevent the spread of foodborne illness. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that these surfaces are properly cleaned and sanitized:
1. First, remove any visible dirt or debris from the surface using a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.
2. Next, apply a cleaning solution to the surface. Be sure to use a cleaner that is specifically designed for use on food-contact surfaces; many general purpose cleaners are not effective against bacteria and other pathogens.
3. Allow the cleaner to dwell on the surface for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer.
4. Finally, rinse the surface with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.”
What are some of the common food allergens and how can they be avoided?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a food handler. First, it is important for food handlers to be aware of common food allergens and how to avoid them. This is important because allergies can be life-threatening, and it is the responsibility of food handlers to ensure that the food they are serving is safe for all consumers. Additionally, this question can help to gauge a food handler's knowledge of food safety and handling procedures.
Example: “The eight most common food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and crustacean shellfish. These allergens can be avoided by reading food labels carefully and avoiding foods that contain them.”
How can cross-contamination be prevented when handling food?
An interviewer might ask a food handler how cross-contamination can be prevented when handling food in order to gauge the food handler's understanding of food safety. Cross-contamination is when bacteria or other contaminants are transferred from one surface to another, and it is important to prevent because it can cause food poisoning. To prevent cross-contamination, food handlers should wash their hands thoroughly, use separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce, and cook food to the proper temperature.
Example: “The best way to prevent cross-contamination when handling food is to practice good hygiene. This means washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and keeping them clean. You should also avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes. If you must touch your face, make sure to wash your hands first.
It's also important to keep food-contact surfaces clean. This includes cutting boards, countertops, and knives. These surfaces should be washed with hot, soapy water after each use. If possible, use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
Finally, it's important to cook food properly. Raw meat, poultry, and seafood can all contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness. Make sure to cook these foods to the proper temperature to kill any bacteria.”
What are some of the signs and symptoms of food poisoning?
The interviewer is asking this question to assess the food handler's knowledge of food safety. It is important for food handlers to know the signs and symptoms of food poisoning so that they can take immediate action to prevent it.
Example: “The signs and symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the type of food poisoning you have. However, some common signs and symptoms include:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches”
What should you do if you think you or someone else has contracted food poisoning?
One of the most important aspects of food safety is preventing the spread of foodborne illness. If a food handler suspects that they or someone else has contracted food poisoning, it is important to take immediate action to prevent the further spread of illness. The first step is to isolate the individual from food handling areas and contact a supervisor. The next step is to ensure that the affected individual receives medical attention. Finally, it is important to clean and sanitize all food handling areas to prevent the further spread of illness.
Example: “If you think you or someone else has contracted food poisoning, you should contact a doctor or medical professional immediately. You should also avoid preparing food for others and avoid handling food altogether if possible. If you must handle food, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and cook food thoroughly before eating it.”
How can you prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses?
An interviewer might ask "How can you prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses?" to a Food Handler in order to gauge their understanding of basic food safety principles. It is important to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses because they can cause serious illness or even death. Foodborne illnesses are usually caused by bacteria or viruses that contaminate food. contaminated food can make people sick if they eat it.
Example: “There are many ways to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses, but some of the most important include:
-Washing your hands thoroughly and often, especially after handling food
-Keeping food preparation areas clean and free of contaminants
-Cooking food properly to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses
-Avoiding cross contamination by keeping raw and cooked food separate
-Chilling food promptly and properly to prevent the growth of bacteria”