What action should be taken before performing any task involving food?

Before performing any task involving food, cleaning hands is the most important action to ensure food safety. Handwashing is crucial because hands can carry pathogens that may contaminate food, leading to foodborne illnesses. By thoroughly washing hands with soap and water, food handlers can remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses, creating a safe environment for food preparation.

While changing gloves, putting on an apron, and rinsing utensils are also important practices in a food safety protocol, they do not address the primary source of contamination—hands. Gloves should only be used after hands are clean, and while aprons and utensils play a role in maintaining hygiene, they do not substitute for the fundamental necessity of clean hands. Therefore, the correct action to take before any food-related task is to ensure that hands are properly cleaned.