Which action is a way to prevent foodborne illnesses?

Washing hands before preparing food is a crucial practice in preventing foodborne illnesses. This action helps eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens that might be on your hands, which can transfer to food during preparation. Proper hand hygiene is an effective barrier against cross-contamination, making it an essential step in food safety.

While other choices may seem relevant, they do not all promote safety as effectively. Prepackaged foods still require safe handling practices, cooking food at low temperatures can allow bacteria to survive, and leaving food out to cool can lead to the growth of harmful microorganisms. Therefore, the practice of washing hands stands out as a foundational step in ensuring food safety.