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Are Your Hands Clean?

Did you know that the simple act of frequent handwashing during food preparation could cut the incidence of food-borne illness in half?

What is the risk? Though invisible to the naked eye, “unfriendly” bacteria on your hands easily pass from raw meat or poultry to other surfaces in the kitchen. Unwashed hands and contaminated equipment transfer bacteria to raw fruits and vegetables, breads and other uncooked foods.

Make handwashing a habit during National Food Safety Education Month – and beyond.

• Wash hands often in warm soapy water before preparing foods and especially after handling raw meat, poultry and seafood.
• Wash when you switch kitchen tasks between handling raw meat and cutting vegetables.
• Wash after taking out garbage, sneezing, and petting the dog.
• Wash well for at least 20 seconds – the front and back of your hands, up to your wrists, between fingers, and under fingernails.
• Wash with warm water and soap.
• Dry with care using disposable paper towel or clean towels.

Credit: American Dietetic Association