What is required for proper food handling procedures during preparation?

Washing hands frequently is essential for proper food handling procedures during preparation because it helps prevent the spread of pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses. Clean hands are crucial for maintaining hygiene standards, as hands can be a significant source of contamination. Following this practice ensures that bacteria and viruses do not transfer from hands to food, surfaces, or utensils.

While using gloves may also be important in certain situations, it does not replace the need for handwashing, as gloves can still become contaminated. Eliminating all allergens is not feasible or practical in many food service environments, and cooking food in bulk may not address the fundamental necessity of maintaining cleanliness and reducing contamination risk during food preparation. Therefore, frequent handwashing emerges as the most vital requirement in this context.