When should hand washing be performed?

Hand washing is a critical practice in food safety to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. Performing hand washing before and after handling food ensures that any contaminants on the hands do not transfer to the food. This includes handling raw food, which may harbor pathogens, and prepared food, where cross-contamination could occur.

In addition to washing hands when switching between raw food and ready-to-eat food, it is also important to wash hands after using the restroom, handling money, or touching surfaces that can harbor bacteria. This comprehensive approach minimizes the risk of contamination and is essential in maintaining safe food handling practices. It acknowledges that hands can be contaminated in many ways, not just through food handling, which is why washing before and after is crucial for preventing illness.