Which of these actions is acceptable before preparing food?

The action of washing hands thoroughly before preparing food is essential in food safety practices. Proper handwashing helps to remove bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can be present on hands. This step is crucial in preventing cross-contamination and ensuring that food is handled hygienically. By cleaning hands before food preparation, the risk of transferring harmful microorganisms to food items, which could lead to foodborne illnesses, is significantly reduced. This practice is widely recommended by food safety authorities to maintain a safe food preparation environment.

In contrast, the other actions are incorrect as they all pose potential threats to food safety. For instance, working with raw and cooked foods on the same surface can lead to cross-contamination, which is highly discouraged. Avoiding gloves while preparing food can also compromise hygiene standards, especially if hands are not washed properly. Additionally, storing raw food above cooked food can lead to drippage and contamination of the cooked items below.