How to Answer: What would you do if you caught a co-worker violating food safety standards?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Food Service job interview.
9. What would you do if you caught a co-worker violating food safety standards?
How to Answer
Violations of food safety standards can include:
- Foregoing gloves when they have cuts, scrapes, or rashes
- Failing to wash hands before handling food, utensils, or kitchen equipment
- Food storage at improper temperatures
- Serving expired food knowingly, even if it 'looks good'
- Buying food from unapproved or unlicensed vendors
- Preparing food without hot water or other required resources
Talk to the interviewer about how you would react if you witnessed a violation in the workplace. Be sure to mention that you would follow any procedures put in place by Company ABC. If you have come across this situation before, you can refer to the scenario and how you dealt with it.
1st Answer Example
"If I caught a co-worker violating food safety standards, I would report it immediately, according to the Company ABC standards and protocol. I have had this situation happen in the past, where an employee was not storing food properly. I wrote a report, submitted it, and retrained the employee on proper standards. That type of behavior is unacceptable, and I assure you that I take food safety very seriously."
2nd Answer Example
"Food safety violations are a serious matter. I would report the incident immediately, and then correct the offense if possible. For instance, if an employee were not washing their hands properly or frequently enough, I would let them know that I noticed the behavior and ask them to correct it. Rest assured, I will do what it takes to uphold the safety standards of Company ABC."