What should workers do before handling food to ensure safety?

Before handling food, it is essential for workers to wash their hands to ensure safety. Handwashing is a critical practice in food safety as it removes dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants that can be transferred to food during preparation. This step is crucial because it helps prevent foodborne illnesses, which can arise from pathogens that thrive on unwashed hands. Proper handwashing techniques, including using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, significantly contribute to reducing the risk of food contamination.

While using gloves, washing clothing, and rinsing utensils are all important aspects of food safety, they do not address the immediate transfer of germs that can occur directly from hands to food. Hand hygiene is the foundational practice that directly impacts food safety before any food handling takes place.