Answer :
Final answer:
Failing to wash hands and change gloves after handling raw meat increases the risk of spreading pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, leading to foodborne illnesses through cross-contamination.
Proper handwashing and food safety practices are essential to prevent these risks and ensure the safety of the food supply.
Explanation:
If a food handler fails to wash hands and change gloves after handling raw meat, there are significant risks to food safety. One of the primary concerns is the transfer of pathogens, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can result in foodborne illnesses.
These pathogens can easily be transferred through cross-contamination, which occurs when microbes from raw meat are transferred to other foods, particularly ready-to-eat items, through touch or indirect contact.
Regular handwashing and glove-changing are crucial defense mechanisms to avoid pathogens. Washing hands after handling raw meat helps prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause foodborne diseases.
Not doing so allows these pathogens to contaminate other foods, surfaces, and utensils, which can lead to an outbreak of foodborne diseases. Contaminated foods can remain a food safety issue even after cooking if they have been exposed to high enough levels of pathogens or toxins.
A key part of maintaining food safety is following good food safety practices, such as thorough handwashing, preventing cross-contamination, and ensuring proper food cooking temperatures are reached to kill harmful bacteria.
Government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set guidelines to keep the food supply safe, highlighting the importance of individual food handlers adhering to these practices to ensure the overall safety of the food supply.
