Final answer:
Food handlers must wash their hands before handling food to prevent contamination and the spread of foodborne illnesses. They should also wash their hands after any activity that could contaminate their hands, following the CDC's recommended five steps for effective handwashing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Food handlers must properly wash their hands before engaging in various activities to prevent the spread of pathogens and ensure food safety. According to recommendations, food handlers should wash their hands before handling food, a critical point in maintaining hygiene standards in food preparation. This act of handwashing is paramount as it significantly decreases the risk of transferring bacteria and viruses from the handlers to the food, which could potentially lead to foodborne illnesses.
Moreover, handwashing is necessary after activities that could contaminate the hands, such as after taking a break, touching their hair, after using the toilet, or after touching money. The CDC outlines five steps for effective handwashing: rinsing hands with clean water, applying soap, scrubbing hands thoroughly (including under the fingernails and between the fingers), rinsing hands well under clean, running water, and finally, drying hands with a clean towel or air drying them. Thorough handwashing practices are a non-negotiable duty for those in the food service industry to protect the health of consumers.