Which of the following is essential for preventing contamination during a service?

Practicing good personal hygiene is essential for preventing contamination during service. Good personal hygiene includes regular handwashing, maintaining clean uniforms, and ensuring that food workers avoid touching their face or hair while handling food. These practices significantly reduce the risk of transferring harmful bacteria and pathogens from a person's body to food, utensils, and surfaces, which is critical in maintaining a safe environment in any food service setting.

While utilizing products from major brands may suggest a level of quality, it does not guarantee that food will be prepared or served in a hygienic manner. Ignoring state regulations can lead to unsafe practices and is counterproductive to maintaining safety standards in food service. Using tools without cleaning them can introduce contaminants, making it vital to adhere to proper sanitation protocols. Overall, personal hygiene is a direct and effective approach to preventing foodborne illness and ensuring food safety.