When should hands be washed while preparing food?

Hands should be washed before, during, and after food preparation to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination and to ensure food safety. By washing hands before food preparation, you remove any dirt, germs, or contaminants that could be transferred to the food. Washing hands during food preparation, especially after handling different food items like raw meat, vegetables, or other ingredients, helps prevent cross-contamination. Finally, washing hands after food preparation ensures that any remaining bacteria are not spread to items such as utensils or plates.

This comprehensive handwashing approach establishes a critical practice in safe food handling. It helps maintain hygiene at each stage of food preparation, protecting both the food being prepared and the individuals consuming it from foodborne illnesses. Other choices highlight specific instances of washing hands, but they do not cover the broader, ongoing need for hand hygiene throughout the entire food preparation process.