What is an important step to take when preparing food to ensure cleanliness?

Cleaning utensils and surfaces regularly is crucial in food preparation to ensure cleanliness and prevent foodborne illnesses. This practice helps eliminate harmful bacteria and allergens that can contaminate food, leading to potential health risks for consumers. Regular cleaning of surfaces—such as countertops, cutting boards, and utensils—ensures that any residues or pathogens from previous food items are removed, creating a safe environment for preparing and handling food.

Using soap to wash all food items is not recommended, as some foods are best rinsed with water only. Handling food without gloves can lead to direct hand-to-food contact, increasing the risk of contamination from bacteria present on hands. Washing only fruits and vegetables neglects the need to clean surfaces and utensils that also come in contact with food, which can harbor germs even if the food items themselves are washed. Therefore, the importance of keeping all areas and tools clean is paramount for safe food handling.