What personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for food handlers?

The essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for food handlers includes gloves, hairnets, and aprons because these items are specifically designed to protect both the food and the food handler.

Gloves are crucial for preventing contamination of food by hands, as they create a barrier against pathogens and allergens. Hairnets keep hair and other particles from falling into food, which can be a significant contamination risk. Aprons act as a protective layer against spills and splashes, thereby helping to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen environment. Together, these items ensure that food handling practices comply with health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

In contrast, the other options listed contain PPE that may be important in other industries, such as construction or manufacturing, but are not relevant for food handling. For food handlers, the focus should be on equipment that minimizes contamination and promotes safe food practices.