What is a key element of good hygiene in food preparation?

Regularly washing hands and changing gloves is a fundamental component of good hygiene in food preparation. This practice helps prevent the spread of contaminants and pathogens that can lead to foodborne illnesses. Hands can pick up harmful microorganisms from various surfaces, and if not washed properly, these can be transferred to food. Similarly, changing gloves frequently, especially after handling raw foods or switching between different types of food, ensures that cross-contamination is minimized. This habit of maintaining hand hygiene directly aligns with the principles of food safety and helps protect both food and consumers.

In contrast, using the same clothes for cooking and cleaning, handling food with bare hands, and eating while cooking are practices that can introduce contaminants, thereby increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Maintaining hygiene standards is crucial for any food service operation to ensure safety and quality in food handling.