Which is the simplest rule of food hygiene?

Correct answer: Washing hands before preparing food

Washing hands with soap and safe water before preparing or serving food removes dirt and reduces the transfer of harmful microorganisms. Hands should also be washed after using the toilet, handling raw food, touching waste or coughing. This simple practice helps prevent cross-contamination and food-borne illness. The other choices increase contamination, so option C is correct.