Food handlers cannot engage in which activity around food or food-contact surfaces?

Food handlers must adhere to strict hygiene practices to ensure the safety and quality of food. Engaging in activities such as eating, smoking, or drinking near food or food-contact surfaces increases the risk of contamination. Food handlers are not permitted to have an open container of food or drink, as this can lead to accidental spills, droplet contamination, or the introduction of pathogens from their mouths or hands into the food preparation areas.

When food handlers consume food or beverages, it’s difficult to maintain the necessary hygiene standards, which could result in harmful microorganisms or foreign objects contaminating food products. This practice directly undermines food safety protocols and can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Hence, having an open container while engaged in these activities poses the greatest risk of contamination, making this the correct choice.