When should food workers wash their hands?

Washing hands is a critical practice in food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses and contamination. Food workers should wash their hands before and after handling food to eliminate potential pathogens and ensure that food remains safe for consumption. Additionally, washing hands whenever workers change tasks—such as switching from handling raw meat to ready-to-eat foods—is essential to avoid cross-contamination.

This frequent handwashing helps to minimize the risk of transferring harmful bacteria or allergens from one food item to another as well as to keep the work environment hygienic. By adhering to these handwashing protocols, food workers contribute significantly to maintaining food safety standards and protecting public health.