After which activity must food handlers wash their hands?

Washing hands at the appropriate times is crucial to preventing foodborne illness, and it is essential for food handlers to understand when this practice is necessary. After clearing tables, food handlers should wash their hands because they may have come into contact with crumbs, spills, or other contaminants that could potentially carry harmful bacteria. This practice reduces the risk of spreading pathogens to other food items or food contact surfaces during subsequent tasks.

The other activities listed may require handwashing at different times, but they do not specifically trigger the same urgent need after completion as clearing tables does. Serving food might not directly expose the handler to contaminants in the same way, and using a cutting board or cleaning utensils typically occur in the context of food preparation, where proper sanitation measures may already be in place. Therefore, understanding the requirement after clearing tables highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene before handling food again.