Final answer:
Food handlers must wash their hands before putting on gloves as part of safe food handling practices to prevent contaminating food with pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Food handlers must perform proper handwashing in multiple scenarios to prevent the spread of pathogens and maintain food safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is critical before, during, and after food handling. From the options given, handwashing is essential before putting on gloves to prepare or serve food. This practice ensures that any contaminants on the hands do not get transferred to the gloves and then to the food. Moreover, thorough handwashing should also be performed after using the toilet, when hands become soiled, and after handling raw meat or fish, among other critical moments.