Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Who is considered a foodservice employee?

1. An individual cooking packaged foods

2. An individual working with unwrapped food

3. An individual selling prepared meals

4. An individual cleaning kitchen appliances

The correct answer is: An individual working with unwrapped food

The role of a foodservice employee encompasses various responsibilities that directly involve food preparation, handling, or service. An individual working with unwrapped food fits this definition well, as this person actively engages with food items that are intended for consumption without any protective packaging. This includes tasks like preparing, assembling, or serving food, which are central to foodservice operations. Engaging with unwrapped food is particularly relevant in maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. Employees in this role are often required to follow specific protocols to ensure that the food remains safe for consumption, which includes practices such as proper handwashing and the use of gloves. This highlights their integral role in the foodservice environment, as they are directly involved in the overall process that brings food from the kitchen to the table. In contrast, the other options illustrate roles that may not directly align with the core functions of foodservice employees. Cooking packaged foods often involves minimal direct interaction with unwrapped food, selling prepared meals might focus more on customer service and sales rather than food handling, and cleaning kitchen appliances, while essential for maintaining a sanitary environment, does not involve the direct interaction with food products needed to classify one as a foodservice employee. These distinctions underscore why working with unwrapped food is the most accurate representation