Can bare hands be used to handle ready-to-eat foods?

Using bare hands to handle ready-to-eat foods is generally not acceptable due to the risk of contamination. The most widely accepted practice in food safety is to avoid direct hand contact with foods that will not be cooked further before consumption. This helps prevent the transfer of pathogens and ensures that food remains safe for consumers.

The option stating that bare hands cannot be used unless the food will be refrigerated aligns with the idea that certain conditions may minimize risk, such as temperature control, but it's not a best practice under normal circumstances. Ready-to-eat foods should ideally be handled with utensils, gloves, or other protective barriers to ensure they remain uncontaminated.

Overall, the primary concern is maintaining food safety standards to protect public health, which is why handling ready-to-eat foods with bare hands is discouraged, regardless of whether the food is placed in refrigeration afterward. Proper training and understanding of safe food handling practices are essential for anyone involved in food service.