What are Florida requirements for hair restraints in food handling?

• A. Workers must wear hair restraints (hats, nets) to prevent hair from contaminating food.
• B. Hair restraints are optional.
• C. Only managers must wear hair restraints.
• D. Hair restraints only required for allergy staff.

Answer: (C)

Hair restraints are required for anyone who handles or prepares food to prevent hair from contaminating food or food-contact surfaces. In Florida, the Food Code adopted from the FDA requires all food employees to wear an approved covering—such as hats, hairnets, or other hair restraints—when they are working in areas where food is prepared, cooked, or served, and when they touch food-contact surfaces. Managers are not exempt; the rule applies to all staff involved in handling food. Saying hair restraints are optional or that only managers or allergy staff need to wear them does not meet the requirement because the goal is consistent protection for anyone handling food.