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CCore · FDA Food Code 2-303.11 · Immediate correction (Core)

How to fix: Employee Wearing Jewelry During Food Preparation

A food employee was observed wearing rings, bracelets, watches, or other jewelry on hands or arms during food preparation — items that can harbor bacteria or fall into food.

What this violation means

FDA Food Code 2-303.11 prohibits food employees from wearing jewelry on their arms or hands while preparing food, with the exception of a plain wedding band. Jewelry traps bacteria and food particles in crevices that are difficult to clean during handwashing. Rings, bracelets, and watches also create a physical contamination risk if they fall into food during preparation. Inspectors look for rings beyond a plain band, bracelets, watches, and any other arm or hand jewelry on employees actively handling food.

Step-by-step: how to fix this before re-inspection

1Have employees with non-compliant jewelry remove it before returning to food prep — rings, watches, and bracelets must come off
2Provide a secure place for employees to store personal items like jewelry during their shift
3Post a written policy at the employee entrance or locker area: "No jewelry on hands or arms during food prep"
4Include jewelry policy in employee onboarding and have all staff sign an acknowledgment
5Brief the full team at the next shift meeting and confirm everyone understands the policy

What the inspector rechecks at re-inspection

WHAT THE INSPECTOR CHECKS

Inspectors do not just look at the surface. For this violation, expect them to verify:

☐Observes employees handling food for any rings beyond a plain wedding band
☐Checks for watches or bracelets on employees in food prep roles
☐Asks whether a written policy on jewelry during food handling exists
☐Looks for medical alert bracelets (which may be allowed if covered)
☐Confirms all employees on the prep line are in compliance

How to prevent this violation from recurring

Add a jewelry check to your pre-shift manager walkthrough
Address jewelry violations immediately and consistently — do not wait for an inspection
Reference jewelry requirements in your employee handbook

Related violations to check

No Hair Restraint Worn by Food Employee→Employee Eating or Drinking in Food Area→Employee Handwashing — Improper Procedure→
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This document is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee a passing re-inspection score. Always verify requirements with your local health department. Fix steps are based on FDA Food Code 2-303.11; individual jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

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