Can a worker wear her Medical Alert bracelet?

Jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, and watches, can get dirty. Also, the construction of a piece of jewelry might hinder a worker from properly washing his or her hands. As a result, jewelry could be a source of pathogens that could get into food.

The term "jewelry" generally refers to ornaments worn for personal adornment so medical alert bracelets do not fit this definition. However, wearing a medical alert bracelet carries the same potential for transmitting pathogens to food. If a food worker wears a medical alert or medical information bracelet, the conflict between this need and the requirements outlined in the NC School HACCP Plan can be resolved through reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The site manager should discuss the requirement with the employee and together they can work out an acceptable alternative to a bracelet.

For example, the medical alert information could be worn in the form of a necklace or anklet so necessary medical information would be available without posing a risk to food. If worn as a necklace, it would have to be tucked inside a shirt. Alternatives to medical alert bracelets are also available through a number of different companies.

An additional hazard associated with jewelry is the possibility that pieces of the item or the whole item itself may fall into the food being prepared. Hard foreign objects in food may cause medical problems for consumers, such as chipped and/or broken teeth and internal cuts and lesions.