Why is washing hands before preparing food necessary?

To prevent infection and contamination

Hands can carry dirt, harmful microorganisms, and contaminants from the toilet, face, raw foods, surfaces, or other objects. Washing them properly with soap and clean water before food preparation reduces the transfer of these hazards to ingredients, utensils, and cooked food. This protects the food from contamination and helps prevent food-borne infection. Hand washing does not alter sweetness, cost, or written records.

This is a Class 11 Home Science question. Chapter: Concerns and Needs in Diverse Contexts. Topic: Principles of environmental, personal, and food hygiene.