Which food handling practice is the most common cause of shigellosis?

The most common cause of shigellosis is related to ineffective hand washing after defecation. Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by the Shigella bacteria, which are primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route. This means that the bacteria are often spread when food handlers do not adequately wash their hands after using the restroom, contaminating the food they prepare or the surfaces they touch. Ensuring proper hygiene practices, particularly hand washing, is crucial in preventing the spread of shigellosis, especially in food service settings where food safety is paramount.

While improper food storage, insufficient cooking temperatures, and cross-contamination can lead to other foodborne illnesses, they are not the primary transmission routes for shigellosis. The focus on effective hand hygiene is critical for breaking the cycle of infection for this particular illness.