To ensure food safety while preparing a meal, what should a cook do after handling raw meat?

After handling raw meat, it is crucial for a cook to wash their hands thoroughly. This step is essential because raw meat can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli. Washing hands with soap and water helps to effectively remove these pathogens from the hands, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination with other foods and surfaces that may come into contact with the cook's hands.

Thorough handwashing should last at least 20 seconds and cover all areas of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails. This practice is vital to maintaining food safety standards in any food preparation environment, as it significantly lowers the likelihood of foodborne illnesses resulting from improper handling practices. Proper hygiene is a fundamental component of food safety protocols in both home and professional kitchens.