What is a critical factor in preventing foodborne illness?

Maintaining proper hygiene practices is crucial in preventing foodborne illness because it directly influences the potential for contamination throughout the food preparation and serving process. When food handlers adhere to strict hygiene standards, such as regularly washing their hands, wearing clean clothing, and using gloves when necessary, they significantly reduce the risk of pathogens being transferred to food.

This includes preventing cross-contamination, where harmful bacteria can spread from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods. Properly training employees to understand the importance of hygiene helps create a safe food environment, which is essential in a restaurant or café setting like Starbucks. While cooking food at high temperatures and using preservatives can also help reduce certain risks, the foundation of food safety begins with proper hygiene practices, making it a critical factor in derailing the potential for foodborne illnesses.