What action is essential for food handlers after performing any cleaning tasks?

After performing any cleaning tasks, it is essential for food handlers to wash their hands. This action is crucial because cleaning tasks often involve handling dirty equipment, surfaces, or utensils, which can contaminate a food handler's hands with bacteria, dirt, or food particles. Washing hands effectively with soap and water helps to remove any potential contaminants and reduces the risk of cross-contamination when they return to food preparation or serving.

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is a key principle in food safety, as it directly contributes to preventing foodborne illnesses. While changing uniforms, putting on fresh gloves, or taking a break may seem relevant, they do not specifically address the immediate need to ensure hands are clean after handling potentially contaminated items, making handwashing the most critical action in this context.