After which activity must food handlers wash their hands?

Food handlers must wash their hands after clearing tables to effectively eliminate any contaminants that may have been transferred during the process. This activity often involves contact with used dishes, utensils, and potentially food remnants that can carry harmful bacteria or viruses. Hand washing at this point is crucial to prevent cross-contamination when handlers later prepare or serve food.

In contrast, while preparing raw meat does necessitate hand washing, it is typically expected that handlers wash their hands before and after this activity to maintain proper hygiene. Serving food also calls for hand washing, but it is less direct than the requirement triggered by clearing tables. Cleaning the kitchen certainly involves various sanitation practices, but it does not specifically mandate hand washing immediately afterward compared to the contact involved with clearing tables. Thus, the emphasis on washing hands after clearing tables lays the groundwork for maintaining food safety and reducing the risk of foodborne illness.