What action should be taken before handling clean dishes after washing?

Washing hands before handling clean dishes is crucial for maintaining food safety and hygiene. Even though the dishes are clean, hands can harbor bacteria and other contaminants that could transfer to the dishes upon handling. When individuals wash their hands properly with soap and warm water, they remove any dirt, food particles, and pathogens that may lead to cross-contamination. This practice helps ensure that the integrity of the clean dishes is preserved, ultimately protecting the health of anyone consuming food from them. Proper handwashing serves as a primary line of defense against foodborne illnesses and is an essential part of food service sanitation protocols.

While putting on gloves, wiping down counters, and ensuring dishes are air-dried are all important steps in maintaining a clean kitchen environment, they do not replace the necessity of handwashing, which is a fundamental practice in food safety.