What steps are necessary when handling raw chicken?

Wearing gloves and avoiding cross-contamination are essential practices when handling raw chicken to maintain food safety and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Gloves serve as a protective barrier between your hands and the raw chicken, helping to minimize the risk of transmitting pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter, which are commonly found in poultry.

Additionally, avoiding cross-contamination involves using separate utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces for raw chicken and other foods, especially those that are ready to eat. This practice is crucial because cross-contamination can lead to serious foodborne illnesses if the bacteria from the raw chicken contaminate other items that won’t be cooked, such as vegetables or ready-to-eat meals. By employing these measures, you help ensure a safe cooking environment and protect both yourself and those consuming the food.

The other options do not align with safe food handling practices. Frequent handwashing is important, but gloves are a necessary component of working safely with raw poultry. Using the same cutting board for all food can easily lead to contamination, and allowing raw chicken to sit at room temperature significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth. Therefore, option B effectively captures the critical steps necessary for handling raw chicken safely.