What is the primary objective of handling baked goods with care?

Handling baked goods with care is crucial for preventing contamination. This is important because baked goods can be susceptible to various contaminants such as bacteria, allergens, and foreign particles. By using proper techniques—such as wearing gloves, maintaining clean surfaces, and minimizing direct handling—bakers can ensure that the products remain safe for consumption.

The focus on maintaining hygiene is vital in a bakery setting, where products are made for public consumption. Ensuring cleanliness helps to protect both the quality of the baked goods and the health of the customers. While improving appearance, maintaining temperature, and reducing baking time are all considerations in the baking process, the primary concern when handling these products is preventing contamination to guarantee safety and quality.