What is the best action to take after preparing raw meat to avoid cross-contamination?

After preparing raw meat, the best action to take is to wash your hands and put on fresh gloves. This practice is crucial in preventing cross-contamination, which can occur when harmful bacteria from raw meat transfer to other food items, surfaces, or utensils.

When handling raw meat, hands can become contaminated with pathogens such as Salmonella or E. coli. By thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water, you remove these harmful microorganisms, ensuring that you do not inadvertently spread them to other foods or surfaces you will touch next. Putting on fresh gloves afterwards provides an additional layer of protection, as gloves can also become contaminated when they touch raw meat or surfaces that have come into contact with it.

This action establishes a hygienic environment in the kitchen and is integral to food safety practices. Not taking this step could lead to serious foodborne illnesses, which can affect anyone consuming contaminated food.