Which statement about hand washing is correct?

Hand washing is a critical practice in food safety, especially for food handlers. The statement that it should be done frequently and thoroughly is accurate because proper hand hygiene plays a vital role in preventing foodborne illnesses. Frequent hand washing helps eliminate pathogens that can be transferred from hands to food, surfaces, or other employees.

The importance of washing hands thoroughly is emphasized as it ensures that all parts of the hands, including under the nails and between the fingers, are cleansed. This thoroughness is essential because bacteria and viruses can persist on hands and be easily transferred to food if proper washing techniques are not followed. Regular hand washing should be practiced at key moments, such as before handling food, after using the restroom, and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, regardless of glove usage.

In contrast to this, other statements fail to recognize the full importance of hand hygiene. For instance, suggesting that hand washing is optional undermines its critical role in food safety. Claiming that it should only be done when hands are visibly dirty neglects the fact that harmful microorganisms can be present even when hands appear clean. Similarly, asserting that hand washing can be skipped when wearing gloves is misleading; gloves can become contaminated, and hand washing remains necessary even when gloves are used. Therefore,