What practice is essential for maintaining proper sanitation while handling food?

Frequent hand washing and the use of sanitizer are critical components of maintaining proper sanitation while handling food. Proper hand hygiene is essential to prevent the transfer of pathogens that can lead to foodborne illnesses. Regularly washing hands with soap and water helps to remove dirt, grease, and harmful microorganisms. Additionally, using an alcohol-based sanitizer can provide an extra layer of protection, especially when hand washing facilities are not immediately available or after handling raw food items. This practice ensures that food handlers maintain clean hands, ultimately contributing to safer food preparation and service.

In contrast, wearing gloves constantly may give a false sense of security, as gloves can still become contaminated. Wiping surfaces only occasionally does not ensure consistent sanitation, which is necessary for preventing cross-contamination. Lastly, using the same towel for cleaning all surfaces can spread bacteria around, rather than effectively cleaning them. Hence, the practice of frequent hand washing and sanitizing is foundational to food safety protocols.