Which of the following is necessary to do after handling raw food?

Washing hands before working with ready-to-eat food is essential after handling raw food because it significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Raw foods, particularly meats, poultry, and seafood, can harbor harmful bacteria that pose food safety risks. When someone handles raw food, any pathogens present on their hands can transfer to ready-to-eat foods, which are consumed without further cooking.

Handwashing with soap and water effectively removes these pathogens, ensuring that the food prepared afterward is safe for consumption. This practice aligns with food safety guidelines that emphasize hygiene as a critical preventive measure to control foodborne illnesses.

In contrast, simply changing gloves without washing hands may still permit bacteria to remain on the skin, and rinsing with water does not adequately eliminate pathogens. Wiping hands with a cloth is also inadequate, as it might merely spread contaminants rather than remove them. Therefore, performing proper hand hygiene by washing hands after handling raw food is vital in maintaining food safety.