According to Bojangles, what is the first step before handling food products?

The first step before handling food products, according to food safety standards such as those emphasized by Bojangles, is to wash your hands. Handwashing plays a vital role in food safety by removing dirt, bacteria, and contaminants that can be transferred to food, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses. This step is foundational and must be performed before any other hygiene practices, such as wearing gloves or removing jewelry, as it ensures that the handler starts with clean hands.

While wearing gloves and removing jewelry are important practices in maintaining hygiene, they serve as additional layers of protection rather than the primary action that prevents contamination. Checking food temperatures is essential for ensuring food safety but is typically done after the food has been handled and not as a preliminary step prior to handling. Thus, washing hands stands out as the critical first action in the prevention of foodborne illness and maintaining a safe food handling environment.