Which action is considered a violation of proper personal hygiene in food handling?

Improper hand washing is indeed a violation of proper personal hygiene in food handling. Hand washing is a critical component of food safety, as it helps to remove harmful germs and contaminants that can be transferred to food. This process not only involves the technique of washing hands with soap and water but also the timing—hand washing should occur at key moments such as before food preparation, after using the restroom, and after handling raw food items.

When hand washing is not performed correctly, it can lead to the spread of foodborne illnesses, as pathogens may remain on hands and contaminate the food being prepared or served. Proper hand hygiene helps to ensure that food handlers minimize the risk of cross-contamination and protect public health.

In contrast, wearing gloves, using utensils, and wearing a hairnet are all practices aimed at maintaining hygiene while handling food. While gloves must also be used correctly and changed regularly, the act of improper hand washing directly compromises the fundamental hygiene practices required in food handling.