Learn the best practices of handwashing in the kitchen, following the WHO guidelines. Prevent foodborne illnesses and keep your kitchen clean.

In the bustling symphony of the kitchen, where precision and passion converge, the handwashing ritual transcends mere routine—it becomes an art form. As a chef, your hands are not only the conduits through which culinary magic flows but also the guardians of food safety and integrity. Elevating the act of handwashing with soap, a brush, and diligent drying isn't just about cleanliness; it's a testament to your dedication to excellence

How can you effectively wash your hands in the kitchen?

Washing your hands is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent foodborne illnesses and keep your kitchen clean. However, not all handwashing methods are equally effective. In this article, you will learn how to wash your hands properly in the kitchen, following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).

1 Why wash your hands?

Your hands can carry many harmful germs that can contaminate the food you prepare, the utensils you use, and the surfaces you touch. Some of these germs can cause serious diseases, such as salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus. Washing your hands regularly can reduce the risk of spreading these germs and protect your health and that of your customers, family, or guests.

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Lionel Michael

Chief Environmental Health Officer at Ministry of Healt and Social Development
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From the onset, food Establishments need to strengthen their hand-washing practices by providing the necessary tools and equipment at hand-washing stations. These should be strategically located throughout the food business to encourage and enhance handwashing practices. In addition to woodworkers washing their hands regularly and thoroughly following established procedures, customers should also be encouraged to wash their hands by using the handwashing stations.

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Angel Gabriel Pérez Martínez

Senior Sous Chef @ Easts Leagues Club | Banquets, Food Service
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Why is hand washing essential? Maintaining proper hand hygiene is of utmost importance in daily kitchen operations to prevent food contamination and the subsequent risk of foodborne illnesses.

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Katherine de León - Small

Senior Talent Acquisition| Hospitality and Food Services headhunter | Career Coach
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Absolutely, proper hand hygiene is absolutely essential in the kitchen, not just for chefs but for anyone handling food. Here's an enhanced version In the culinary world, impeccable hand hygiene isn't just a suggestion; it's the cornerstone of safe and successful cooking. From prep work to plating, your hands are your most valuable tools, but they can also carry harmful bacteria and viruses. Mastering the art of hand hygiene is non-negotiable to ensure the safety of your customers and the quality of your dishes.

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2 When to wash your hands?

You should wash your hands before, during, and after handling food, especially raw meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood. You should also wash your hands after touching any potential sources of contamination, such as garbage, dirty dishes, pets, or your nose, mouth, or hair. Additionally, you should wash your hands after using the bathroom, coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

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Katherine de León - Small

Senior Talent Acquisition| Hospitality and Food Services headhunter | Career Coach
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In the dynamic world of culinary arts, where precision and perfection reign supreme, the habit of meticulous hand hygiene stands as the bedrock of excellence. As a chef, your hands are your instruments, weaving together flavours, textures, and aromas to create culinary masterpieces. However, they also possess the potential to harbour invisible threats in the form of harmful bacteria and contaminants. To safeguard the integrity of your creations and the well-being of your patrons, cultivating the habit of handwashing before and after touching anything in the kitchen is not just a practice—it's a sacred ritual

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3 How to wash your hands?

To wash your hands effectively, the WHO recommends following these six steps. Start by wetting your hands with clean running water and applying enough soap to cover them. Rub your hands together palm to palm, then interlace your fingers and rub them back and forth. Next, rub the backs of your hands with the opposite palms and your thumbs with the opposite hands. Rub your fingertips against the palms of your hands and then your wrists with the opposite hands. Rinse your hands thoroughly with clean running water and dry them with a clean towel or paper towel. Finally, turn off the faucet with the towel or paper towel and dispose of it properly.

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4 How long to wash your hands?

You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. This will ensure that you remove all the dirt, grease, and germs from your hands. If you have a timer or a watch, you can use it to measure the time. Alternatively, you can use a handwashing song or video to guide you.

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5 What to use to wash your hands?

You should use clean running water and soap to wash your hands. Soap helps to break down the oils and fats that trap the germs on your skin and make them easier to rinse off. You can use any type of soap, such as liquid, bar, or foam soap, as long as it is not contaminated or expired. You should avoid using antibacterial soap, as it may not be more effective than regular soap and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

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Katherine de León - Small

Senior Talent Acquisition| Hospitality and Food Services headhunter | Career Coach
Report contribution
In the bustling symphony of the kitchen, where precision and passion converge, the handwashing ritual transcends mere routine—it becomes an art form. As a chef, your hands are not only the conduits through which culinary magic flows but also the guardians of food safety and integrity. Elevating the act of handwashing with soap, a brush, and diligent drying isn't just about cleanliness; it's a testament to your dedication to excellence

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6 What to avoid when washing your hands?

To ensure effective handwashing, it's important to avoid common mistakes such as using dirty or stagnant water, using too little or too much soap, washing your hands too quickly or too slowly, rinsing your hands with soap still on them, and drying your hands with a dirty or shared towel. All of these can reduce the effectiveness of handwashing and lead to the transfer of germs from one person to another.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you effectively wash your hands in the kitchen?

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1 Why wash your hands?

2 When to wash your hands?

3 How to wash your hands?

4 How long to wash your hands?

5 What to use to wash your hands?

6 What to avoid when washing your hands?

7 Here’s what else to consider

Culinary Education

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How can you effectively wash your hands in the kitchen?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Why wash your hands?

2 When to wash your hands?

3 How to wash your hands?

4 How long to wash your hands?

5 What to use to wash your hands?

6 What to avoid when washing your hands?

7 Here’s what else to consider

Culinary Education

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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