What can happen if proper handwashing procedures are not followed?

The correct answer is that bacteria can spread to food. This underscores the critical importance of handwashing as a food safety measure. When food handlers do not wash their hands properly, they can transfer harmful bacteria from their hands to the food they are preparing or serving. This cross-contamination can lead to foodborne illnesses, posing serious health risks to consumers.

Proper handwashing removes dirt, grease, and germs, including pathogenic microorganisms that can be present on hands after using the restroom, handling raw meat, or touching surfaces. Without this key hygiene practice, any pathogens present on unwashed hands can directly contaminate food, leading to potential outbreaks of foodborne illnesses such as salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus.

The other options do provide some aspects related to food handling, but they do not directly address the primary concern of food safety as it relates to handwashing. While hands might dry out or food might lose flavor or spoil faster, these outcomes are not the immediate health threats that arise from poor hand hygiene. The critical factor emphasized here is the transmission of bacteria, which is a major focus in maintaining food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses.