Ace the NEHA Certified Food Manager Exam 2025 – Serve Success with Confidence!

Washing hands regularly is essential for preventing cross-contamination because it removes harmful bacteria and pathogens that can be transferred from one surface or food item to another. Hands can easily pick up contaminants from raw meats, surfaces, or even other food items, and failing to wash hands after handling these can lead to the spread of foodborne illnesses. By practicing good hand hygiene, food handlers significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination, ensuring a safer food preparation environment.

The other options highlight practices that could lead to cross-contamination rather than prevent it. Using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables can lead to bacteria from the meat contaminating the vegetables, which are often eaten raw. Keeping raw meats above ready-to-eat food poses a risk if juices from the raw meats drip down, contaminating the food below. Reusing gloves without washing hands can transfer contaminants to other foods, as gloves can carry pathogens from one item to another without proper handwashing in between.