What common condition can result from improper handwashing by food handlers?

Improper handwashing by food handlers can lead to food poisoning because it fails to effectively remove contaminants, including pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, that can be present on hands. When food handlers do not wash their hands properly after using the restroom, handling raw food, or touching surfaces that may harbor germs, these harmful microorganisms can be transferred to food.

Food poisoning results when these pathogens are ingested, which can lead to illnesses characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Maintaining good hand hygiene is crucial in food safety to prevent such outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of properly washing hands before handling food or eating.

While cross-contamination is a related concern, it specifically refers to the transfer of harmful substances from one food item to another, which can also occur due to improper handwashing, but the immediate health effect is food poisoning. Allergies and dehydration are not directly linked to handwashing practices.