During outdoor food service, what is critical for managing pest risks?

Covering food products is critical for managing pest risks during outdoor food service because it creates a physical barrier between the food and potential pest threats such as insects, rodents, and birds. When food is left uncovered, it becomes an attractive target for these pests, which can contaminate the food with bacteria, parasites, or other harmful substances, posing a serious health risk to consumers.

Using appropriate covers can help maintain food safety by preventing pests from accessing the food and also helps protect it from environmental contaminants such as dust or debris. This practice is essential in outdoor settings where the risks of pest interaction are heightened. The other options, while relevant to different aspects of food service, do not directly address the management of pest risks in the same effective manner as covering food products does.