When preparing ready-to-eat foods, what is the recommended practice regarding personal hygiene?

Wearing gloves when preparing ready-to-eat foods is a recommended practice because it serves as a barrier between your hands and the food, thereby reducing the risk of contamination from bacteria and other pathogens. Even with clean hands, they can harbor microorganisms that could transfer to food, especially when the food will not be cooked further. Gloves help maintain the hygiene of finished products, ensuring that consumers receive food that is safe to eat.

While washing hands with soap is vital for personal hygiene, simply washing hands does not provide the same level of protection when handling food directly, especially for ready-to-eat items. The use of utensils instead of hands is also beneficial, but it is not a comprehensive solution on its own; it doesn’t address the risks associated with hand contact. Neglecting to take special precautions could lead to foodborne illnesses, which underscores the importance of diligent personal hygiene practices in food preparation.