Content:
Clean hands are the first line of defense against foodborne illness. Germs on hands spread easily to food, utensils, and surfaces.
When to wash your hands
- Before starting work and before handling food
- After handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs
- After using the toilet, sneezing, coughing, or touching your face or hair
- After handling garbage, cleaning chemicals, or money
- After taking a break, eating, or smoking
How to wash your hands
- Wet your hands with clean running water.
- Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces.
- Rub your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, your thumbs, and your fingertips for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse well under running water.
- Dry with a clean single-use towel or air dryer.
Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing in the kitchen, especially when hands are greasy or visibly dirty.
Good hygiene habits like these are part of every FoodSHAP course.
