When should food handlers wash their hands?

Handwashing is a critical practice in food safety that helps prevent contamination and the spread of foodborne illnesses. Food handlers should wash their hands in multiple situations to ensure that food remains safe for consumption.

Washing hands after using the restroom is essential because this is a primary way that harmful bacteria can be introduced to food. It also applies before preparing food, as clean hands reduce the risk of transferring pathogens to the food being prepared. Additionally, handling money can introduce germs that might not be visible but can still contaminate the food. Since money passes through many hands and surfaces before reaching a food handler, it's important to wash hands after such transactions.

In summary, food handlers must wash their hands not only after using the restroom but also before food preparation and after handling money. This practice reflects a comprehensive understanding of hygiene in the kitchen, emphasizing that handwashing is necessary in various scenarios to maintain food safety.