How often should a food handler wash their hands?

Handwashing is a critical part of food safety practices, as it helps prevent the contamination of food and reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses. The correct answer highlights that food handlers should wash their hands before and after handling food, after using the restroom, and whenever necessary.

This practice ensures that any harmful bacteria or contaminants that may be present on a food handler's hands are eliminated before they come into contact with food. Washing hands before handling food reduces the risk of transferring germs onto items that will be consumed. Additionally, cleaning hands after using the restroom is crucial, as it minimizes the chances of fecal contamination, which can lead to serious health risks.

The phrase "whenever necessary" encompasses scenarios where hands may become contaminated during food preparation or after touching surfaces that could harbor pathogens. This emphasizes the importance of vigilance regarding hand hygiene, as food handlers need to be proactive in maintaining clean hands throughout their work shift to ensure the safety of the food they serve.