What hygiene practice can help prevent the spread of germs in the kitchen?

Regular hand washing is essential in preventing the spread of germs in the kitchen. This practice removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses from hands that can be transferred to food, utensils, or surfaces, ultimately reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Hand washing should be done at critical times, such as before handling food, after using the restroom, and after touching raw meat, poultry, or seafood.

Wearing a chef’s hat may contribute to overall kitchen hygiene by containing hair, but it does not directly address germ transfer. Using bleach to clean surfaces is effective for sanitizing but must be done correctly and after physical cleaning, as improper use can leave harmful residues. Cleaning with hot water alone can remove some contaminants but is not sufficient to eliminate all germs without the proper use of soap and sanitizer. Therefore, while other practices may support kitchen hygiene, regular hand washing is the most direct and critical step in minimizing the spread of germs.