Which of the following actions could potentially lead to food contamination?

Touching a pimple or an open sore is a significant action that could potentially lead to food contamination. This is because such skin conditions may harbor harmful bacteria, which can easily transfer to food or food-contact surfaces when touched. Human skin can carry pathogens, and when an employee neglects to cover or avoid these areas while preparing or handling food, they risk contaminating the food with those pathogens. This is why it’s crucial for food handlers to maintain proper hygiene and to avoid touching their face or any wounds while working in a food handling environment.

In contrast, proper hand washing, wearing a clean uniform, and using sanitized equipment are all practices that help maintain food safety and prevent contamination. Hand washing removes potential contaminants from hands; a clean uniform reduces the transfer of dirt and bacteria; and sanitized equipment minimizes the risk of bacterial growth or transfer. Each of these practices plays a vital role in ensuring food safety and preventing contamination in food service environments.