What is a critical step when preparing food for grilling?

Washing hands before handling food is a fundamental practice that helps prevent foodborne illnesses. Proper hand hygiene eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses that can be transferred from hands to food, which is especially important in grilling, where raw meats are often involved. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for safe food preparation, ensuring that the food remains uncontaminated before it reaches the grill.

In contrast, the other options present practices that can compromise food safety. Using utensils only for raw meats does not address the importance of handwashing; inadequate hand hygiene can still lead to contamination even if separate utensils are used. Thawing meat on the counter poses a food safety risk, as it allows the meat to reach unsafe temperatures where bacteria can proliferate. Lastly, reusing marinades for cooked food can lead to cross-contamination, as the marinade that touched raw meat may carry harmful pathogens. Thus, washing hands is a critical, proactive step in ensuring food safety while grilling.