What is the primary reason for wearing a hairnet in a food establishment?

Wearing a hairnet in a food establishment primarily serves the purpose of preventing hair from falling into food. Hair can harbor bacteria and other contaminants that could lead to foodborne illnesses. By using a hairnet, employees minimize the risk of hair coming into contact with food products, thereby ensuring a higher standard of food safety and hygiene. This practice is part of the broader food safety protocols that help maintain a clean and safe environment in food service settings, protecting both the customers and the food being prepared.

While aspects such as looking professional or keeping cool might be considerations in certain contexts, they do not primarily address the critical health and safety issues that a hairnet is designed to mitigate.