When should you wash your hands?

Washing hands is a critical aspect of food safety and hygiene in any food service environment, including a deli. There are specific times when handwashing is essential to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure safe food handling practices.

Before preparing food is crucial since hands can carry harmful microorganisms that contaminate food. Washing hands ensures that any dirt, viruses, or bacteria are eliminated, particularly after handling raw foods, which can cross-contaminate other items.

Handwashing before serving food is equally important, as clean hands prevent the transfer of germs to food that will be consumed. Customers expect their food to be handled in a sanitary manner, and washing hands at this point directly contributes to food safety.

Additionally, washing hands after using the restroom is critical to prevent the spread of germs that could cause illness, demonstrating that hygiene practices are consistently followed.

Therefore, recognizing the proper times for handwashing—before preparing food, before serving food, and after using the restroom—helps reinforce essential hygiene protocols necessary for delivering safe and healthy food to customers.