Is it permissible for a food handler to taste food to adjust seasoning?

When determining whether it is permissible for a food handler to taste food for seasoning adjustments, it’s essential to consider food safety principles. The correct response emphasizes the importance of using a clean utensil for tasting food. Doing so helps prevent cross-contamination, which is critical in maintaining food safety.

Using a clean utensil ensures that no harmful bacteria or allergens are transferred from the food handler’s hands or mouth into the food product. This practice is standard in food safety protocols, allowing food handlers to taste food to achieve the desired flavor without compromising the safety and quality of the food being prepared.

Moreover, while it could be tempting to use a utensil multiple times for tasting, this practice would increase the risk of contamination. Therefore, the answer focused on using the utensil only once for each tasting ensures a higher standard of safety and hygiene in food preparation.

It's also important to note that the state of the food being tasted (cooked or raw) plays a role in safety, but the key focus for tasting is the clean handling and use of utensils to mitigate health risks.