How should ready-to-eat foods be handled?

Ready-to-eat foods should be handled after washing hands thoroughly for several important reasons. Hand hygiene is a critical practice in food safety, as it significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses. By washing hands properly, food handlers remove any potential contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and dirt that could be transferred from their hands to the food. This is especially vital for ready-to-eat foods, which are consumed without any further cooking that would otherwise eliminate harmful pathogens.

Ensuring that hands are washed before handling these foods helps protect the health of consumers and maintains a safe food handling environment. It establishes a critical barrier to contamination, ensuring that the food remains safe for consumption. This adherence to hygiene not only complies with food safety regulations but also fosters trust and confidence among customers regarding food establishments.