What should cuts, burns, or sores on fingers be covered with while preparing food?

Cuts, burns, or sores on fingers should be covered with a bandage while preparing food to ensure proper hygiene and safety. A bandage not only protects the wound from further injury but also serves as a barrier to prevent contaminants from entering the wound, which can lead to infections. Additionally, it helps to prevent any potential transfer of bacteria from the wound to food, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

While the other options, such as paper towels and plastic wrap, might offer some level of coverage, they are not designed to securely protect wounds or maintain a sanitary environment during food preparation. Gloves can be a suitable choice to protect both the food and the handler, but they should ideally be used in conjunction with a bandage over any exposed cuts or sores to maximize safety and hygiene. Thus, using a properly applied bandage is the safest and most effective practice when handling food with injury on the hands.