Are visors an acceptable hair restraint?

A hairnet or a visor can be used as long as it effectively restrains the hair. The U.S. Food Code (2005), which is the basis for the standards outlined in 2-4 and 2-5 of the SC School HACCP Plan, states that food employees shall wear hair restraints -- such as hats, hair coverings or nets, beard restraints, and clothing that covers body hair -- that are worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food. The SC Foodservice Rules simply states:

The manager shall insure that food and food-contact surfaces are protected from contamination from hair.  

The standards in the SC School HACCP Plan are minimum standards. If the School Nutrition Director would like to establish a higher standard, such as requiring that all workers wear hair nets, he/she can do so. The important thing is to make sure that whatever method is used that it effectively restrains the hair.

Consumers are particularly sensitive to food contaminated by hair. Hair can be both a direct and indirect vehicle of contamination. Food workers might contaminate their hands when they touch their hair. A hair restraint keeps dislodged hair from ending up in the food and may deter employees from touching their hair

Prepared: July 2009

If you have questions, contact Dr. Angela Fraser, Associate Professor/Food Safety Education Specialist, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.

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