Why must all wounds be covered when preparing food?

Covering all wounds while preparing food is essential primarily to prevent contamination of food. Open wounds can harbor bacteria and pathogens that pose a risk of transferring these harmful microorganisms to food, leading to foodborne illnesses. When a person with a wound handles food, there is a possibility that germs can enter food products, compromising food safety.

Utilizing a proper covering, such as a bandage or glove, acts as a barrier that significantly minimizes the risk of contaminating food. This is especially critical in food service environments, where hygiene standards are paramount to ensure the safety and health of consumers.

The other options, while they may have some relevance in other contexts, do not specifically address the core concern of food safety that is critical in the food handling environment.