Are cafeteria workers required to wear hair nets?

Cafeteria workers are required to wear protective items such as hairnets and gloves. This minimizes the chances of passing on food-borne diseases and cross-contamination as well as prevents hair from getting into the food.

Hairnets are made from fine mesh and generally have elastic around the edges to hold them snugly onto the head. Most of the hairnets worn by today's cafeteria workers are the disposable types that are sold in large boxes by food distribution companies. Men who work in cafeterias and have beards are also required to wear beard nets.

In addition to food service workers, lab technicians, electronics assemblers and mechanics are also frequently required by their employers to wear hairnets.