What is the easiest method to prevent foodborne illness?

The optimal method to prevent foodborne illness is through hygiene practices. Good hygiene is the foundation of food safety, as it encompasses a range of behaviors that reduce the risk of contamination from pathogens. This includes regular and thorough hand washing, cleaning surfaces and cooking equipment before and after use, and ensuring that food handlers maintain proper personal hygiene. By minimizing the introduction and spread of harmful microorganisms, hygiene practices significantly contribute to keeping food safe.

Cooking thoroughly is indeed important, as it can kill many harmful bacteria. However, if food is contaminated before cooking, the pathogens may still pose a risk, which is where hygiene practices come into play. While using a thermometer is an essential tool for ensuring that food reaches safe temperatures, it is part of a broader range of practices that need to be implemented alongside thorough hygiene. Quality ingredients also contribute to food safety, but they cannot compensate for poor handling or hygiene practices. Thus, focusing on hygiene is the easiest and most effective way to prevent foodborne illness.