Which piece of jewelry is acceptable for food handlers to wear while preparing food?

Wearing jewelry while handling food can pose risks for contamination and physical hazards. Among the various options, a wedding band is considered acceptable because it is typically simple, does not have raised or jagged edges, and is less likely to harbor bacteria or fall off into the food. The simplicity of a wedding band helps minimize the risk since it is often a single, solid piece without complex designs that could catch on surfaces or harbor food particles.

Other types of jewelry—like bracelets, necklaces, or watches—are generally discouraged in food preparation settings due to the potential for them to hold onto dirt and bacteria, or to fall into food unintentionally. They can also complicate handwashing and increase the risk of cross-contamination. Thus, the recommendation is to limit jewelry to a single, plain wedding band to maintain hygiene and safety standards in food handling environments.