What is an important step to ensure food safety during food preparation?

Study for the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Prepare thoroughly for your certification!

Washing hands before and after handling food is a fundamental practice in maintaining food safety. This step is crucial because it helps prevent the transfer of harmful pathogens and contaminants from hands to food, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Proper handwashing removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses that can be present on the skin, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination between different food items or surfaces.

While some of the other choices may seem relevant, they do not support safe food handling practices. For instance, using the same cutting board for raw and cooked meats can lead to the transfer of harmful bacteria from the raw meat to the cooked product, posing a risk to consumers. Storing cleaning supplies with food products can lead to contamination of food with chemicals. Lastly, letting food cool down completely before refrigerating it can encourage bacterial growth if food is left out for too long. Each of these options highlights unsafe practices, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene in food preparation as a critical step for ensuring safety.

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