How should ready-to-eat foods be handled to ensure safety?

Ready-to-eat foods should be handled using gloves or utensils to minimize the risk of contamination. This practice is critical for maintaining food safety, as these foods are ready to be consumed without further cooking, making them more susceptible to pathogens if they come into contact with contaminated hands or surfaces.

Using gloves or utensils creates a physical barrier that protects the food from bacteria and viruses that could be transferred from unwashed hands. It's also important to ensure that gloves are changed regularly, especially between handling different types of food, to prevent cross-contamination.

Utilizing gloves or utensils aligns with food safety guidelines and regulations designed to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses. This approach is essential in any food handling environment, such as restaurants or catering services, where hygiene is paramount to public health.