What is a serious violation of sanitation procedures observed in dishwashing?

Failing to wash hands after handling soiled articles is a serious violation of sanitation procedures in dishwashing because it poses a significant risk of cross-contamination. When food service workers handle dirty dishes, utensils, or other soiled items, they can transfer harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens to their hands. If they do not wash their hands afterward, these contaminants can easily spread to clean dishes, utensils, and food items, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Proper handwashing is essential in maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of pathogens in food service environments.

Other choices, while important for maintaining overall sanitation, do not present the same level of immediate risk as failing to wash hands. Not wearing gloves, for instance, may be a best practice but does not inherently lead to the same direct contamination risk as unwashed hands. Opening a window might improve airflow but does not directly relate to sanitation during the dishwashing process. Scraping plates is a standard practice designed to remove food debris before washing, thus not a violation of sanitation procedures.