How should a food worker avoid contaminating ready-to-eat food?

• A. Use bare hands
• B. Use a cloth to wipe surfaces
• C. Use a napkin to touch food
• D. Use tongs or other utensils

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is preventing direct hand contact with ready-to-eat foods by using a protective barrier. Using tongs or other utensils keeps hands away from the food, so bacteria or contaminants on the skin don’t transfer to the food. This method also makes it easier to keep handling clean and to sanitize utensils between uses, reducing cross-contamination risk.

Using bare hands is risky because skin can harbor microbes that can transfer to food. Wiping surfaces with a cloth can spread germs or transfer them from a dirty cloth to multiple surfaces or foods. Touching food with a napkin isn’t a reliable barrier and can fail or shed fibers, potentially contaminating the food. Utensils provide a dedicated, washable barrier and are designed for safe, hygienic food handling.