Which of the following should be prioritized in a food handling safety program?

Prioritizing proper handwashing techniques in a food handling safety program is essential because hand hygiene is one of the most critical factors in preventing foodborne illnesses. Proper handwashing helps eliminate pathogens that could be transferred from hands to food, surfaces, or equipment, thereby reducing the risk of contamination. This practice is vital in maintaining safe food handling standards and is a key component of public health initiatives.

While sales promotions, employee clothing styles, and food aesthetics are important aspects of a food business, they do not directly contribute to food safety. Sales promotions may enhance business but can distract from core safety practices. Employee clothing styles may reflect professionalism or branding but do not impact safety as significantly as hygiene practices do. Food aesthetics, while important for customer appeal, are not related to the safety or handling of food. Thus, emphasizing proper handwashing techniques is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of food served to customers.