What should food handlers do before handling food?

Food handlers must wash their hands thoroughly before handling food to ensure the removal of dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. This practice is essential for maintaining food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. Proper handwashing involves using soap and running water, scrubbing all parts of the hands for at least 20 seconds, and rinsing thoroughly. This process eliminates harmful pathogens that could be transferred to food during preparation or serving.

While using gloves can help reduce the risk of contamination, putting on gloves without first washing hands does not eliminate germs; it can even trap bacteria underneath the gloves. Hand sanitizers can be a useful supplement to handwashing but should not replace it entirely, as they do not effectively remove dirt and certain types of pathogens. Rinsing hands under water for a few seconds is insufficient for effective cleaning, as it won't remove contaminants adequately. Thorough handwashing is a fundamental practice for any food handler to ensure safe food handling.