Why must food handlers wash their hands thoroughly after handling raw food?

Washing hands thoroughly after handling raw food is crucial to prevent cross-contamination of other food items. Raw foods, especially meat, poultry, and seafood, may contain harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause foodborne illnesses. If hands are not adequately washed after handling these foods, those pathogens can easily be transferred to ready-to-eat foods, surfaces, or utensils, increasing the risk of contamination.

Cross-contamination can occur in various ways, including through direct contact with food, tools, or even by touching one's face or hair after handling raw foods. Therefore, by ensuring proper hand hygiene, food handlers can significantly reduce the likelihood of spreading contaminants, safeguard the health of consumers, and maintain food safety standards in food service operations.

The other options refer to aspects that are less critical when it comes to food safety. While preventing the transfer of taste might be a concern in certain culinary practices, it is not as vital as preventing the spread of pathogens. Reducing surfaces that need to be cleaned does not directly address food safety and can sometimes lead to neglecting proper sanitation practices. Lastly, while the use of disposable gloves is a part of food safety, it does not eliminate the need for hand washing, as gloves can also