What should food handlers do after prepping food and before using the restroom?

The most appropriate action food handlers should take after prepping food and before using the restroom is to wash their hands. Proper hand hygiene is essential in food safety to prevent cross-contamination and to ensure that harmful pathogens do not transfer from hands to food. Washing hands removes any residues from food prep and bacteria that may be present, thus maintaining a safe food handling environment.

Taking off an apron might be appropriate in some contexts, but it does not address the immediate need for hygiene after food preparation, especially before entering a restroom where the risk of transferring contaminants increases. Other options like changing gloves or putting on a mask may also be necessary in specific situations, but they do not substitute for the fundamental requirement of washing hands to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Therefore, washing hands is the critical step that should be taken after prepping food and before any other activity like using the restroom.