Which is the correct sequence for proper handwashing in a food service operation?

Which is the correct sequence for proper handwashing in a food service operation?

• A. Rinse with cold water only
• B. Dry hands with a towel and then reuse towel to dry tools
• C. Wet hands, apply soap, scrub all surfaces for at least 20 seconds, rinse with clean water, dry with a disposable towel and use the towel to turn off the faucet
• D. Wash hands for 60 seconds while wearing gloves

Answer: (C)

Cleaning hands properly removes germs before handling food. Wet your hands with warm running water, apply soap, and scrub all surfaces—backs of the hands, between fingers, and under nails—for at least 20 seconds. Rinse well with clean running water to wash away loosened microbes. Dry your hands with a disposable towel, then use that towel to turn off the faucet to avoid recontaminating clean hands. This sequence reduces contamination risk and aligns with standard food-safety practices. Rinsing with cold water alone lacks soap and thorough scrubbing, so it doesn’t effectively remove germs. Drying with a towel and then reusing that same towel to dry tools can spread contamination. Wearing gloves and washing for a full 60 seconds while gloves are on isn’t correct practice— gloves aren’t a substitute for proper handwashing, and hands should be cleaned before putting on gloves and after removing them.

Cleaning hands properly removes germs before handling food. Wet your hands with warm running water, apply soap, and scrub all surfaces—backs of the hands, between fingers, and under nails—for at least 20 seconds. Rinse well with clean running water to wash away loosened microbes. Dry your hands with a disposable towel, then use that towel to turn off the faucet to avoid recontaminating clean hands. This sequence reduces contamination risk and aligns with standard food-safety practices.

Rinsing with cold water alone lacks soap and thorough scrubbing, so it doesn’t effectively remove germs. Drying with a towel and then reusing that same towel to dry tools can spread contamination. Wearing gloves and washing for a full 60 seconds while gloves are on isn’t correct practice— gloves aren’t a substitute for proper handwashing, and hands should be cleaned before putting on gloves and after removing them.