Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

Under what conditions can chemically treated towelettes be used instead of traditional handwashing?

1. If hands are heavily soiled

2. If exposure to food is limited

3. For employee breaks only

4. During high-volume service times

The correct answer is: If exposure to food is limited

Chemically treated towelettes can be used instead of traditional handwashing when exposure to food is limited. This option acknowledges the context in which the use of such products is appropriate. Chemically treated towelettes are designed to sanitize hands, but they do not replace thorough handwashing, especially when hands are contaminated or heavily soiled. It is essential to understand that these towelettes should only be a backup option in situations where traditional handwashing facilities are not available, and exposure to food is minimal. This allows for a balance between hygiene and practicality, especially in settings that may not have immediate access to sinks. The other options involve scenarios where the efficacy of chemical towelettes would not be sufficient. For example, heavily soiled hands require a more thorough cleaning than what can be achieved with wipes. Employee breaks and high-volume service times may also involve situations where food exposure is more significant, thus necessitating proper handwashing practices to ensure food safety and prevent contamination.