When should hands be washed before handling food?

Hands should be washed before touching raw food or high-risk food to prevent foodborne illnesses. This is crucial because raw food and high-risk food (such as poultry, seafood, and ready-to-eat items) are often potential carriers of harmful pathogens. Washing hands thoroughly removes grease, dirt, and bacteria that may contaminate food during handling.

Regular handwashing is a key practice in food safety, emphasizing the need to keep hands clean when they may come into contact with food that is more vulnerable to contamination. This practice helps ensure a safe food preparation environment and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination. Other situations, such as finishing work or drinking water, while important for general hygiene, do not directly relate to food safety in the same critical manner as handling raw or high-risk foods.