How should you handle food after touching raw meat?

The appropriate action to take after handling raw meat is to wash hands thoroughly before handling any other food. This practice is essential for preventing cross-contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. If hands are not properly washed after touching raw meat, those bacteria can transfer to other foods, utensils, or surfaces, increasing the risk of spreading pathogens.

Thorough handwashing involves using soap and clean, running water, scrubbing all parts of the hands for at least 20 seconds, and then drying them with a clean towel or air dryer. This method effectively removes any residual bacteria that may be present after handling raw meat.

While some other options might seem convenient, they do not adequately eliminate the risk of contamination. For instance, simply leaving the area or task does not address the need for hygiene, wiping hands on a towel does not remove bacteria, and relying solely on hand sanitizer is not a substitute for thorough handwashing when dealing with raw meat. Hand sanitizers are effective for reducing the number of germs, but they do not eliminate all types of germs, especially those that may be present in noticeable numbers after handling raw meat.