How should food service workers handle breaks to maintain food safety?

Washing hands before returning to food preparation areas after breaks is essential for maintaining food safety. During breaks, food service workers may come into contact with various surfaces that could harbor bacteria and other pathogens. When they return to food prep areas, it's crucial to eliminate any contaminants that may have been transferred to their hands. Washing hands with soap and water is a fundamental practice in food safety, as it helps to prevent foodborne illnesses by removing dirt, food particles, and pathogens.

Other options do not adequately address the importance of proper hand hygiene after a break. For instance, not washing hands upon returning would leave potential contaminants on the hands, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Changing gloves alone is insufficient without washing hands first, as gloves can also carry pathogens if they come into contact with contaminated surfaces. Lastly, using hand sanitizer only is not a replacement for thorough handwashing, especially when transitioning back to food preparation where hygiene is critical. Hand sanitizer is most effective when hands are not visibly soiled, which makes handwashing the preferred method in this situation.