In which situation is it critical to wash hands?

Washing hands before and after handling food is crucial because it helps prevent the transfer of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses. Proper hand hygiene acts as an essential barrier between contaminants and the food being prepared, served, or consumed.

In food handling environments, hands can easily become contaminated through various means, such as touching food, equipment, or surfaces. By washing hands before handling food, you reduce the risk of introducing pathogens to the food, ensuring it remains safe for consumption. Similarly, washing hands after handling food helps to remove any contaminants that may have been transferred during the food preparation process.

While other situations, such as handling money or visibly dirty hands, may also warrant handwashing, they do not have the same direct impact on food safety as washing before and after food handling. Thus, the emphasis on this particular practice underscores its vital role in maintaining hygiene and preventing foodborne illness in food service operations.