Which practice helps ensure food is safe from contamination?

Washing hands and surfaces frequently is a crucial practice in ensuring food safety from contamination. This step helps eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that could be present on hands or surfaces, which can easily transfer to food. Regularly sanitizing hands before handling food, after using the restroom, or after touching potentially contaminated items significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen by frequently washing surfaces, such as countertops and cutting boards, prevents cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, as well as reduces the chances of contaminants lingering in the cooking area. This practice is fundamental in promoting a safe food preparation environment and is essential for adhering to health and safety regulations in food service settings.

Using the same utensils for all foods, leaving food out after cooking, and only checking expiration dates do not provide adequate measures for safeguarding food from contamination and could lead to unsafe food handling practices.