What is primarily affected if personal hygiene practices are neglected during food preparation?

Neglecting personal hygiene practices during food preparation primarily compromises the safety of the food. Poor hygiene can lead to the contamination of food with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites, which pose significant health risks to consumers. For instance, unwashed hands can transfer pathogens from food handlers to food items, increasing the likelihood of foodborne illnesses.

Maintaining proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, using clean utensils, and avoiding cross-contamination, is essential to ensure that food remains safe to eat. While flavor, visual appeal, and cooking time play important roles in meal preparation, they do not directly impact the safety of the food in the way that hygiene does.