Question

When switching tasks between raw food and ready-to-eat food, food handlers must first:

a) Rinse hands thoroughly
b) Change gloves
c) Sanitize their hands
d) Wash their hands

Answer 1

Food handlers must wash their hands thoroughly when transitioning from handling raw food to ready-to-eat food to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of foodborne diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

When switching tasks between handling raw food and ready-to-eat food, food handlers must first wash their hands to prevent the spread of foodborne diseases. Washing hands is one of the most effective defenses against cross-contamination. It involves several critical steps such as wetting hands with warm water, thoroughly lathering with soap, and rinsing debris and pathogens away.

Food handlers must ensure that they wash under fingernails, between fingers, and always use clean, running water that flows from the wrist to the fingertips. Hands should be dried with a clean towel or a hand dryer after washing. This is a fundamental food safety practice that helps in preventing the transmission of foodborne diseases. Moreover, washing hands is recommended after handling raw meat or fish and before preparing or serving food, among other occasions.