Which food requires the most careful handling?

Meat and poultry require the most careful handling due to their high risk of harboring harmful bacteria and pathogens. These foods are particularly susceptible to contamination by bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause severe foodborne illnesses if ingested.

To ensure safety, it's essential to maintain proper temperature control, as meat and poultry should be kept at safe temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. This involves storing these foods in the refrigerator or freezer, cooking them to the appropriate internal temperatures, and preventing cross-contamination with other food items.

Moreover, thorough handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, and using separate utensils for raw meat and cooked products are critical practices to minimize the risk of spreading pathogens. The other options, while they do require some level of care, do not pose the same degree of risk in terms of foodborne illnesses as meat and poultry.