What should be done when switching between handling raw meats and ready-to-eat foods?

When switching between handling raw meats and ready-to-eat foods, it is essential to change gloves and wash hands thoroughly. This practice is vital to ensure food safety and prevent cross-contamination. Raw meats can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can be transferred to ready-to-eat foods if proper hygiene measures are not followed. By changing gloves, you create a barrier that prevents any pathogens from spreading between these different types of food.

Washing hands thoroughly after removing the gloves ensures that any residual pathogens that may have come into contact with your hands are eliminated, further protecting the ready-to-eat foods from contamination. This practice is a fundamental aspect of food safety protocols and is critical in maintaining high standards in food handling environments.