What practice helps in maintaining proper hygiene in food management?

Regularly disinfecting kitchen surfaces is a crucial practice in maintaining proper hygiene in food management because it helps eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that can contaminate food. Clean surfaces are essential to prevent cross-contamination, as food can easily pick up microorganisms from contaminated surfaces. By ensuring that all food contact surfaces, utensils, and other areas within the kitchen are regularly disinfected, the risk of foodborne illnesses is significantly reduced, creating a safer environment for food preparation and service.

In comparison, cooking meat to a higher temperature than required may ensure that it's safe to eat, but it doesn’t directly address hygiene practices concerning surfaces and utensils. Encouraging employees to share utensils can lead to cross-contamination and spread of pathogens, which is counterproductive to hygiene efforts. Using the same cloth to wipe different areas can also transfer bacteria rather than eliminate them, further compromising food safety. Therefore, regular disinfection of kitchen surfaces stands out as the most effective practice for maintaining proper hygiene in food management.