Institute Feature: Food Safety and Sanitation Basics—Hygiene Practices

Did you know that the CDC estimates 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year? For independent grocers, one small misstep in sanitation can lead to serious health risks and damage your store’s reputation.

That’s why it’s essential your team understands the basics of personal hygiene and how their actions directly impact food safety. Whether stocking produce, packaging deli items, or working the register, every employee plays a role in preventing contamination.

The Retail Learning Institute's quick, 5-minute training course, Food Safety and Sanitation Basics—Hygiene Practices, covers critical practices like proper handwashing, when and how to use disposable gloves, and why attire — from hair restraints to jewelry — matters. A few minutes now can help protect your customers, your team, and your business.

Course Description

Whether you’re handling fresh food, packing, storing or interacting with customers, your personal cleanliness directly affects your health and welfare.

This course has the following objectives:

• Describe the key steps involved in washing hands correctly to prevent contamination in food handling.
• Define the proper usage of disposable gloves in food handling and identify when they should be replaced.
• Explain the importance of wearing appropriate attire, including hair restraints and minimal jewelry, in maintaining food safety.

Course Duration: 5m