What colour should waterproof dressings be, and why?

• A. red, to indicate injury
• B. blue, to aid detection if they fall off
• C. yellow, to differentiate from staff
• D. clear, to avoid visibility

Answer: (B)

Color-coding and visibility of dressing materials help prevent contamination in food environments. Waterproof dressings are blue because this color stands out against most foods and surfaces, so if a dressing comes loose it’s easy to spot and remove quickly. This supports rapid corrective action and aligns with HACCP aims to control hazards. Other colors can be confusing or hard to see—red might look like blood, yellow could blend with staff gear, and clear would be nearly invisible—so blue is the most practical choice.