Why should food handlers wash their hands?

Washing hands is a critical practice for food handlers to ensure food safety. The primary reason is to remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses that can contaminate food. Hands can carry pathogens from a variety of sources, including raw food, surfaces, and other individuals. If food handlers do not wash their hands thoroughly, they risk transferring harmful microorganisms to food, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. This practice is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination during food preparation and serving.

While it is also important to comply with local health regulations and consider the condition of the skin, these reasons do not encompass the fundamental role of handwashing in food safety. Making hands smell pleasant can be a benefit of using soap but is not the primary purpose of washing hands in a food handling context. The focus should always be on effectively cleaning hands to protect public health and ensure the safety of the food served.