What is the first action you should take before handling food?

The first action you should take before handling food is to wash your hands. This is crucial because proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. Hands can carry a variety of bacteria and viruses, which can contaminate food if not washed thoroughly. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps remove these pathogens and ensures that your hands are clean before you handle any food items.

While checking food temperatures, inspecting food for damage, and putting on gloves are all important steps in food safety, they come after the foundational action of washing your hands. The cleanliness of your hands is paramount, as it sets the stage for safe food handling practices. Without this initial step, the risk of contaminating food increases significantly.