What is the most important way to prevent a food borne illness from viruses?

The most important way to prevent a foodborne illness from viruses is by practicing good personal hygiene. Viruses such as Norovirus and Hepatitis A can be easily transmitted through improper handwashing and poor personal cleanliness. Since these viruses are often spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands after using the restroom or before handling food, ensuring that all staff maintain high standards of personal hygiene, including regular and thorough handwashing, is crucial to preventing outbreaks.

While avoiding cross-contamination, cooking food thoroughly, and using clean cutting boards are essential food safety practices, they are primarily associated with the prevention of bacterial foodborne illnesses or cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. However, for viruses, the main line of defense lies in the individual behaviors of food handlers, reinforcing the critical importance of personal hygiene in food safety.