Which of the following practices is essential for preventing contamination?

Washing hands frequently is a fundamental practice in food safety that plays a crucial role in preventing contamination. Proper handwashing removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the hands, which can easily transfer to food, surfaces, or equipment during food preparation or service. This practice is especially important after handling raw foods, using the restroom, or touching any surfaces that may harbor pathogens. Effective hand hygiene dramatically reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses, making it an essential part of maintaining a safe kitchen environment.

Cooking at high temperatures is important for killing bacteria, but it does not prevent hand-to-food contamination before cooking occurs. Buying pre-packaged foods can reduce certain risks associated with contamination but does not eliminate the potential for handling or cross-contaminating during preparation. Using plastic utensils only may help in some situations, but it does not address the primary route of contamination, which is often through improper hand hygiene. Thus, frequent handwashing stands out as the most critical practice for preventing contamination in a culinary setting.