How often should food service employees wash their hands?

Food service employees should wash their hands after every possibility of contamination because this practice is essential for preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses. Handwashing at critical times, such as after using the restroom, handling raw food, touching their face or hair, or performing any activity that could contaminate their hands, significantly reduces the risk of pathogens being transferred to food or food contact surfaces.

Frequent handwashing promotes a culture of hygiene and safety in the food service environment, ensuring that employees maintain a clean and sanitary working condition. This is particularly important in a setting where they are handling food that is prepared for others, as even small amounts of contaminants can have serious consequences for public health.

In contrast, washing hands only at the start of the shift, once per shift, or only when visibly dirty does not adequately address the numerous opportunities for contamination that arise throughout food preparation and service, potentially allowing harmful bacteria or viruses to thrive and spread. Maintaining stringent handwashing practices is therefore a key element of effective food safety protocols.