Why wash hands thoroughly after handling raw ingredients?

Question

Find out why thorough hand washing is a top food safety rule. Learn the correct way to wash hands after handling raw meat to prevent illness.

Answer 1

Washing hands thoroughly after handling raw ingredients removes harmful bacteria and viruses, preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses. This simple act protects both you and anyone who consumes the food you prepare.

Detailed Explanation:

Raw ingredients, especially meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs, can harbor harmful microorganisms like Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and Norovirus. These pathogens can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is a critical step in breaking the chain of contamination. The process of washing physically removes these microorganisms from your skin. The friction created by rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds, combined with the surfactants in soap, effectively dislodges and washes away the bacteria and viruses. It's important to wash not only after handling raw ingredients but also before and during food preparation, especially after touching your face, hair, or any other potentially contaminated surfaces. Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety.

Pro Tip:

Use a clean paper towel to turn off the faucet after washing your hands to avoid re-contaminating them from the faucet handle.