What is the proper way to handle ready-to-eat foods?

When handling ready-to-eat foods, the proper practice is to use utensils or gloves. This method minimizes the risk of contamination, as ready-to-eat foods are foods that will not undergo any further cooking processes. Using bare hands can transfer pathogens and bacteria from the skin to the food. Utensils such as tongs, forks, or spoons, along with food-grade gloves, provide a barrier that helps ensure food safety.

While washing hands prior to serving is an essential practice in food handling to reduce the presence of contaminants, it does not cover the continual contact between hands and food once the food is being served, which is why relying solely on sanitized hands isn’t sufficient for ready-to-eat items. Thus, using utensils or gloves is the most effective way to protect the integrity of the food and ensure consumer safety.