.
Why Hand Washing is important for Texas Food Handlers
Hand washing is an important step in preventing contamination of food by food handlers. Bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus and viruses (e.g. norovirus) present on food handlers are reduced to safe levels by proper hand washing techniques.
How often should food handlers wash their hands?
Food Handlers should wash their hands as often as necessary and always:
• Before starting work
• Before handling cooked or ready-to-eat food
• After handling or preparing raw food
• After handling waste
• After cleaning duties
• After using the toilet
• After blowing nose, sneezing or coughing
• After eating drinking or smoking
• After handling money
Is hand washing necessary if gloves are used when handling food?
Proper hand washing is extremely important for food handlers, whether using gloves or not. If using gloves, hand washing should be done right before putting gloves on, and before changing gloves. The problem with the use of gloves is that in situations where food handlers are not given proper training in food safety, gloves are often perceived as a safe alternative to proper handwashing. Food Handlers may then proceed to carry out many non-food related tasks (e.g. handling money, trash removal, smoking, etc.) while wearing the same pair of gloves that they then use to prepare food.
The proper hand washing technique for Food Handlers?
Food Handlers hands and arms up to the elbow should be washed for at least 20 seconds as follows:
• Wet hands under warm running water
• Use enough soap to form a good lather
• Rub all parts of hands and arms up to the elbow with soap and water
• Lather for at least 10-15 seconds, vigorously and thoroughly rubbing all hand surfaces, including the fingertips, thumbs, and arms
• Rinse hands thoroughly with running water
• Dry hands thoroughly
How hot should the water be for hand washing?
Food Handlers should use the hottest water they can stand when washing their hands.
Why Hand Washing is important for Texas Food Handlers
Texas Food Handlers can take our Food Safety Course for only $7
Utah Food Handlers can take our Food Safety Course for only $22
