What does it indicate if a food handler wearing gloves places a chicken breast on the grill and then places lettuce and tomato on a bun?

When a food handler wearing gloves handles raw chicken and then uses the same gloves to place ready-to-eat foods, such as lettuce and tomato, on a bun, it indicates cross-contamination. Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria or pathogens from raw food items are transferred to cooked or ready-to-eat foods.

This scenario is concerning because the raw chicken can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter, which can contaminate the vegetables and the bun through contact with the same gloves. Proper food safety practices dictate that food handlers must change gloves or wash their hands thoroughly between handling raw foods and ready-to-eat foods to prevent such contamination. This practice is essential for ensuring food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses.