Which of the following practices can minimize the risk of pest infestation?

Regularly cleaning and sanitizing work areas is a critical practice for minimizing the risk of pest infestation. Pests such as rodents and insects are attracted to areas where food residues, spills, and crumbs accumulate. When surfaces are kept clean and sanitized, it removes the food sources that pests rely on, thus making the environment less hospitable for them. Additionally, cleaning helps to eliminate potential nesting sites and other attractants that pests might find appealing, further reducing the likelihood of an infestation.

In contrast, leaving food uncovered, ignoring spills, and storing food in open containers all create conditions that can attract pests. Uncovered food is easily accessible to pests, and spills and crumbs provide a food source, while open containers offer a place for pests to feed and breed. Keeping work areas clean is therefore essential in maintaining a pest-free environment in food handling settings.