What is an essential food handling practice that must be followed?

The essential food handling practice focuses on maintaining hygiene to prevent foodborne illnesses. Washing hands thoroughly is critical because it removes bacteria and contaminants that can be transferred to food. Proper head covering is also necessary to prevent hair and other particles from contaminating food during preparation. The use of disposable gloves further enhances food safety by creating a barrier between the food handler's hands and the food, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

This combination of washing hands, wearing head coverings, and using disposable gloves ensures that food is handled safely, maintaining the health and safety standards necessary in food preparation environments. These practices are emphasized in food safety guidelines and regulations to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of food served.