Is it safe to eat or drink in an area with possible exposure to blood/body fluids?

Is it safe to eat or drink in an area with possible exposure to blood/body fluids?

• A. No.
• B. Yes, if you wear gloves.
• C. Yes, if you wash hands first.
• D. Yes, if you're not handling materials.

Answer: (A)

Not safe to eat or drink in areas where there is potential exposure to blood or body fluids. These fluids can carry pathogens, and ingestion is a direct route for them to enter the body. Even with gloves on, the environment may be contaminated and surfaces or gloves can transfer pathogens to food or hands that then touch the mouth. Washing hands is important, but doing so in a contaminated area doesn’t make it safe to eat there; you could re-contaminate, or pathogens could still be present on surfaces or on the outside of gloves. The proper practice is to avoid eating or drinking in that area altogether and to handle meals only in a designated clean space, after removing PPE, and washing hands thoroughly.

Not safe to eat or drink in areas where there is potential exposure to blood or body fluids. These fluids can carry pathogens, and ingestion is a direct route for them to enter the body. Even with gloves on, the environment may be contaminated and surfaces or gloves can transfer pathogens to food or hands that then touch the mouth. Washing hands is important, but doing so in a contaminated area doesn’t make it safe to eat there; you could re-contaminate, or pathogens could still be present on surfaces or on the outside of gloves. The proper practice is to avoid eating or drinking in that area altogether and to handle meals only in a designated clean space, after removing PPE, and washing hands thoroughly.