When is the best time to wash hands while preparing food?

Washing hands after handling raw meat and before handling ready-to-eat food is critical for preventing cross-contamination. Raw meat can carry harmful pathogens that could cause foodborne illness, and if someone were to then touch ready-to-eat foods, those pathogens could be transferred. Regular handwashing at this specific time ensures that any bacteria or contaminants from the raw meat are effectively removed from the hands before touching foods that will not be cooked further, thus protecting the consumer's health.

While washing hands before starting food preparation is important, it doesn't cover the ongoing need to clean hands after potential exposure to contaminants throughout the cooking process. Similarly, only washing hands after cutting vegetables or setting a schedule to wash hands every hour does not address the immediate risk of cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods. Proper food safety practices advocate for frequent handwashing, especially after contact with potential contaminants, making the timing highlighted in the chosen answer crucial for food safety.