What safety gear should cooks always wear in the kitchen?

Cooks should always wear non-slip shoes, gloves, and an apron in the kitchen for several important reasons. Non-slip shoes are essential because they help prevent slips and falls, which can occur due to wet or greasy floors in a busy kitchen environment. This footwear provides stability and safety while moving around, especially during peak cooking times.

Wearing gloves is crucial for maintaining hygiene standards. They protect both the food being prepared and the chef from cross-contamination and potential allergens. Gloves ensure that food is handled safely, especially when dealing with raw meats or sensitive ingredients.

An apron serves multiple purposes, including protecting the cook's clothing from spills and stains and providing an additional layer of hygiene when handling food. It also offers a convenient place to wipe hands or tools during food preparation.

The other choices do not prioritize safety or hygiene. For instance, flip-flops, sandals, and shorts do not offer sufficient protection against accidents or spills and can lead to injuries in a hectic kitchen setting. Sneakers might provide some comfort and grip, but without the other necessary safety gear like gloves and an apron, they do not meet the full safety standards required in a professional kitchen environment.