What should food handlers do to prevent contamination during service?

To prevent contamination during service, food handlers should avoid direct contact with food and utilize serving utensils. This practice minimizes the risk of transferring pathogens from hands to food, which is crucial in maintaining food safety. Serving utensils act as a barrier between food and hands, significantly reducing the likelihood of cross-contamination.

Using high temperatures is indeed important for cooking and holding food, but it might not directly address contamination during the serving process. Limiting handwashing is counterproductive, as proper hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, are essential in preventing contamination. Using damaged utensils could further compromise food safety, as they may retain bacteria or contaminate the food being served. Therefore, focusing on using serving utensils effectively addresses the primary concern of preventing contamination during food service.