What is the main benefit of training food handlers in hygiene practices?

Training food handlers in hygiene practices primarily serves the purpose of reducing foodborne illnesses. This is crucial because improper handling, preparation, and storage of food can lead to contamination and subsequent outbreaks of foodborne diseases, which can have severe health impacts on customers and pose legal and financial risks to the business.

By equipping food handlers with knowledge about personal hygiene, cleaning procedures, and safe food handling techniques, the training helps ensure that food is prepared and served in a safe manner. This not only protects consumer health but also minimizes the likelihood of incidents that can damage the establishment's reputation and trustworthiness.

While other aspects such as improving employee morale and enhancing customer service skills are valuable, they are secondary to the core goal of ensuring food safety. The focus on hygiene practices directly impacts public health and safety, highlighting the importance of proper training in preventing foodborne illnesses.