Which practice is not appropriate for hand hygiene around food?

Which practice is not appropriate for hand hygiene around food?

• A. Using hand antiseptic in place of soap
• B. Washing with soap and water
• C. Drying hands on a towel
• D. Using a hand sanitizer gel

Answer: (A)

Hand hygiene around food starts with washing hands with soap and running water to physically remove dirt, grease, and microbes. A sanitizer or hand antiseptic can reduce microbial numbers, but it cannot replace the cleaning and rinsing action of washing. Using hand antiseptic in place of soap is not appropriate because it won’t remove soil and can be less effective on hands that are dirty or greasy, leaving pathogens behind and increasing the risk of contaminating ready-to-eat foods. After proper washing, a sanitizer gel can be used as an extra measure if needed, but it should not be the sole method of hand hygiene. Drying hands with disposable paper towels is recommended to prevent recontamination, rather than using a shared towel. Washing with soap and water remains the fundamental practice.

Hand hygiene around food starts with washing hands with soap and running water to physically remove dirt, grease, and microbes. A sanitizer or hand antiseptic can reduce microbial numbers, but it cannot replace the cleaning and rinsing action of washing. Using hand antiseptic in place of soap is not appropriate because it won’t remove soil and can be less effective on hands that are dirty or greasy, leaving pathogens behind and increasing the risk of contaminating ready-to-eat foods. After proper washing, a sanitizer gel can be used as an extra measure if needed, but it should not be the sole method of hand hygiene. Drying hands with disposable paper towels is recommended to prevent recontamination, rather than using a shared towel. Washing with soap and water remains the fundamental practice.