Which of the following practices helps to ensure proper hand hygiene?

Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food is essential for ensuring proper hand hygiene because it effectively removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses that may be present on the skin. Proper handwashing involves scrubbing all parts of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails, for at least 20 seconds. This practice significantly reduces the risk of transferring contaminants to food, thus helping prevent foodborne illnesses.

The act of washing hands with soap and water not only cleans but also helps to prevent cross-contamination, which can occur when food handlers do not maintain cleanliness. It's important to establish this as a routine practice in food preparation environments, as many pathogens can be present on hands following various activities, such as using the restroom, handling raw meat, or touching other surfaces.

In contrast, wearing gloves does not replace the need for handwashing since gloves can become contaminated. Washing hands only after preparing food is not sufficient, as it does not address potential contamination that could occur before handling food. Lastly, while hand sanitizers can be effective in reducing pathogens on the skin, they should not be used as a substitute for thorough handwashing with soap and water, which is more effective in removing dirt and debris.