What is the recommended preparation for handling ready-to-eat foods?

Wearing gloves and using utensils is the recommended preparation for handling ready-to-eat foods because this practice helps prevent contamination and ensures food safety. Ready-to-eat foods are those that will not undergo any further cooking processes that could eliminate harmful microorganisms. By using gloves and utensils, food service workers can significantly reduce the risk of transferring pathogens from their hands or fingers to the food, maintaining the hygiene standards necessary in food handling.

Gloves provide a barrier between the hands and the food, and using utensils minimizes direct contact, further protecting the food from contamination. This practice is vital in maintaining health standards and preventing foodborne illnesses, which can result from improper handling.

Other options do not align with the best practices for food safety. For instance, using bare hands can lead to the transfer of bacteria and viruses, rinsing under cold water does not effectively sanitize foods, and surrounding ready-to-eat food with hot foods does not address direct handling practices and could create cross-contamination issues.