Final answer:
It is indeed true that it is illegal to handle ready-to-eat foods with bare hands due to the risk of spreading foodborne diseases. Food safety practices like using gloves, washing produce, and properly cooking food to the right temperature are vital in preventing contamination and keeping food safe for consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question whether it is illegal to handle ready-to-eat foods with bare hands can be answered as true. In most food service establishments, health regulations stipulate that employees must use gloves or utensils to handle ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination and the spread of foodborne diseases. This is because pathogens that may be present on the hands can easily be transferred to the food that will be consumed directly. Proper food safety practices such as regular handwashing, using gloves, and avoiding cross-contamination are essential in preventing illness.
Additionally, it's important to rinse fresh produce before consumption, even if you do not plan to eat the rind, to remove any potential microbes or toxins. Food must also reach a safe internal temperature to eliminate harmful bacteria, making the use of a cooking thermometer essential in ensuring food safety.