Which activity necessitates a food handler to wear single-use gloves?

Wearing single-use gloves is essential when handling ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination. Ready-to-eat foods are those that do not require additional cooking or preparation before being consumed, such as salads, fruits, and cooked meats. These foods are particularly vulnerable to contamination from pathogens that can be present on the hands of food handlers.

Using gloves acts as a barrier, reducing the risk of cross-contamination from bacteria or viruses that might be on the handler's hands. This practice helps maintain food safety and ensures that the food served is safe for consumption. Proper training emphasizes the importance of wearing gloves when touching ready-to-eat foods, as this is a critical step in protecting public health.

The other activities listed may involve some level of contact or handling of food, but they do not specifically require the use of gloves as a standard food safety practice. For example, cooking raw meats would involve cooking processes that eliminate pathogens, while serving cooked dishes may not require gloves if a food handler is diligent with handwashing. Cleaning food prep areas is a different task where gloves could be used for protection against chemicals or dirt, but it is not specifically related to the handling of food items.