Which personal hygiene practice is NOT acceptable for food associates?

Wearing artificial nails is not an acceptable personal hygiene practice for food associates because they can pose a risk of contamination. Artificial nails can harbor bacteria and other pathogens that may compromise food safety. Additionally, they may chip or break off during food preparation, leading to the potential for foreign objects to contaminate the food. Maintaining a high standard of personal hygiene, which includes keeping natural nails clean and trimmed, is essential in a food handling environment to ensure the safety and quality of food products.

In contrast, wearing a plain wedding band, keeping fingernails clean and trimmed, and using hair restraints are all practices that help maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of food contamination, making them acceptable for food associates.