What kind of foods should never be handled with bare hands?

Ready-to-eat foods should never be handled with bare hands because they are prepared for consumption without any further cooking or processing. This makes them particularly vulnerable to contamination from pathogens that can be present on bare skin. When employees handle these foods directly, they increase the risk of transferring bacteria or viruses that could lead to foodborne illnesses among customers.

Using utensils, gloves, or other barriers ensures that ready-to-eat foods remain safe and free from contamination. This is a standard food safety practice aimed at protecting both customers and the establishment from the dangers of foodborne pathogens. It emphasizes the importance of hygiene and careful food handling in food service settings.

While the handling of raw foods, cooked foods, and frozen foods may involve certain precautions, ready-to-eat items require the highest care to prevent any direct contact with hands to minimize health risks.