What is the required handwashing procedure before handling food?

• A. Wet hands, wash with soap for at least 20 seconds, scrub between fingers and under nails, rinse, dry with disposable towels.
• B. Wipe hands on apron.
• C. Rinse hands with water only.
• D. Wash hands for 5 seconds.

Answer: (A)

Before handling food, you need a thorough handwashing routine to remove germs that could contaminate what you’re preparing. Wet your hands, apply soap, and scrub for at least 20 seconds, making sure to clean between fingers and under the nails where germs hide. Rinse off the soap completely and dry hands with disposable towels. This combination—adequate soap use, sufficient scrubbing time, attention to hard-to-clean areas, thorough rinsing, and clean drying—minimizes contaminants more effectively than any shortcut.

Wiping hands on an apron doesn’t clean them, rinsing with water only leaves oils and microbes behind, and washing for only a few seconds isn’t enough to remove dirt and germs.