How long does Herpes persist on surfaces? If someone does not use proper hygiene can you catch it from food?

The herpes virus does not live out side the human body!!

Not sure what your asking about food.... If your sharing a chicken leg with someone who has a nice ripe herpe on their lip then ya, you might pick up the virus. If your asking are you going to contract the virus by eating food prepared by someone with Herpes---NO is that answer~

I am saying if someone touched their genital herpes (constantly scratching) and forgot to wash, would I contract it in my food they prepared?

NO.

The virus doesn't live outside the body. In the time it takes to prepare food, even if it was raw, it would have long since died.