What should food workers do before handling food?

Washing hands thoroughly before handling food is a critical practice in food safety and sanitation. This step is essential for removing dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants that may be present on the hands. By thoroughly washing hands with soap and water, food workers can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, which can arise from the transfer of harmful pathogens onto food.

It's important to note that while using gloves can provide a barrier, they do not substitute for handwashing. Hands can still carry germs and, if not washed properly, can contaminate food even while wearing gloves. Simply rinsing hands with cold water or using just hand sanitizer is not sufficient, as these methods may not effectively remove all contaminants. Hand sanitizer can complement proper handwashing but should not be relied upon as the sole method of cleaning hands prior to food handling.