Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

When is it necessary to wash hands before handling food?

1. After handling money

2. While cooking

3. Before touching food or TSC food

4. After cleaning

The correct answer is: Before touching food or TSC food

Washing hands before handling food, particularly ready-to-eat and Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods, is crucial in food safety practices. This procedure helps to remove potentially harmful pathogens and contaminants that could be transferred to the food, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. When food handlers wash their hands before touching food, they are ensuring that the food remains safe for consumption by minimizing the chances of cross-contamination from surfaces or previous activities. This is an essential practice in maintaining hygiene in food preparation and is a key component of effective food safety management. While handling money, cleaning, or while cooking can indeed lead to situations where hand hygiene is also necessary, the specific action of washing hands before directly handling food is especially critical for protecting public health and ensuring safe food service.