Final answer:
The correct answer is A. wear a clean hat or head covering.. Regular handwashing with soap and water is critical in avoiding pathogens while preparing and handling food.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wearing a clean hat or head covering while preparing food can help prevent hair and other potential contaminants from falling into the food, thereby keeping it safe to consume. It's important to avoid pathogens by maintaining good personal hygiene while handling food.
Additionally, regular handwashing is essential both before and after handling or preparing food to further ensure food safety. Use soap and water to wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, covering all areas including under the fingernails. If soap and water aren't available, hand sanitizer can be used as a temporary measure until proper handwashing can be performed.