Which of the following practices is essential to prevent foodborne illness?

Practicing personal hygiene is essential to prevent foodborne illness because it directly impacts how food handlers interact with food. Proper personal hygiene includes handwashing, wearing clean clothing, and maintaining overall cleanliness, which helps minimize the risk of transferring harmful bacteria and pathogens from the handler to the food. This practice is crucial, as many foodborne illnesses are caused by contaminated hands that touch food.

While cleaning surfaces, cooking food thoroughly, and washing fruits and vegetables are all important practices for food safety, they can only be effective if the person handling the food is clean and practicing good hygiene. Without a foundation of strong personal hygiene, even the best cleaning, cooking, or washing practices may not fully protect against contamination.