What should a food handler do if food accidentally drops on the floor?

When food accidentally drops on the floor, the proper action for a food handler is to discard the food to prevent contamination. This is critical for maintaining food safety because food that comes into contact with potentially unclean surfaces can become contaminated with pathogens, dirt, or other harmful substances. Even if the food appears clean after being dropped, there is a high risk of invisible contamination that could pose health risks if consumed.

Discarding the food is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of customers and uphold hygiene standards. In a food handling environment, the priority is always to prevent any risk of foodborne illness, which can arise from contaminated or unsafe food practices. Therefore, following the principle of discarding any food that has touched the floor is a crucial part of food safety protocols.