Which of the following is essential for maintaining proper food safety in the kitchen?

Wearing gloves when handling food is essential for maintaining proper food safety in the kitchen. This practice helps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, which can occur when harmful bacteria and pathogens from hands are transferred to food. Gloves create a physical barrier between the hands and the food, reducing the likelihood of contamination from dirt, germs, or allergens that may be present on the hands. Additionally, it is important to change gloves regularly and after handling different types of food, especially when switching between raw and cooked items, to further ensure food safety.

In terms of the other options, keeping personal items near food preparation areas can lead to contamination, as those items may carry bacteria. Storing raw meat above cooked food poses a significant risk, as juices from the raw meat can drip onto cooked items, leading to foodborne illnesses. Lastly, using unapproved cleaning supplies may introduce harmful substances into the kitchen environment, jeopardizing food safety and hygiene standards.