What is required when serving ready-to-eat foods?

When serving ready-to-eat foods, it is essential to use gloves or utensils to prevent direct hand contact. This practice helps to minimize the risk of contamination that can occur when hands come into contact with food. Ready-to-eat foods are not cooked further, which means any pathogens or harmful microorganisms present on hands can lead to foodborne illnesses if transferred to the food. By using gloves or utensils, you create a barrier that protects the food from potential contaminants.

In contrast, serving food directly with hands increases the risk of introducing bacteria or viruses, as hands are often not free from contaminants. Rinsing hands before serving is a good hygiene practice, but it does not eliminate the risk associated with direct contact with ready-to-eat foods. Washing only the dishes used for serving does not address the importance of ensuring that server hands or surfaces do not contaminate the ready-to-eat items. Hence, the correct approach emphasizes using gloves or utensils to protect food safety.