where may a food handler chew gum
A food handler may only chew gum in a designated break or eating area that is completely separate from any food preparation, handling, or service zones.
Key rule in one line
Most food safety guidance treats chewing gum the same as eating, drinking, or smoking: it is never allowed while handling, preparing, or serving food, and is only allowed in approved staff break areas.
Why gum is not allowed around food
- Chewing gum can spread saliva droplets that may contaminate food, equipment, or surfaces, increasing the risk of illness.
- Gum can accidentally fall out and end up in food or on contact surfaces, creating both hygiene and foreign‑object hazards.
- Regulations and training materials explicitly group “chew gum” with “eat, drink, or smoke” as prohibited activities in food handling areas.
What counts as an acceptable place
Food safety training and regulatory guidance generally say food handlers may chew gum only when:
- They are:
- Off the line and not handling or preparing any food.
* Away from clean utensils, equipment, and food‑contact surfaces.
- The area is:
- A designated staff break room or eating area approved by the employer.
* Clearly separated from kitchens, prep rooms, service counters, and dishwashing zones.
After chewing gum, a food handler should dispose of it properly and wash and dry hands thoroughly before returning to work with food.
Common real‑world expectations
- Many restaurants and food businesses have strict “no gum in the kitchen or service area” policies, even if not spelled out line‑by‑line in local codes.
- Inspectors may mark chewing gum in food prep areas as a violation under personal hygiene or eating/drinking in work areas.
In practice, if a food handler is close enough to touch food, equipment, or clean dishes, that is not a place they may chew gum.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.