Handwashing, Health, and Hygiene
Many pathogens can be transferred to fresh fruits
and vegetables by workers who pick, package, or
handle the produce. The failure of people working
with food to wash their hands after using the
toilet has been the cause of many foodborne illness
outbreaks.
Frequent, proper handwashing is an effective
strategy for helping to prevent foodborne illness;
however, few people do it properly. Here’s how:
Wet hands with clean, warm water, apply
soap, and work up a lather.
Rub hands together for at least 20 seconds.
Clean under the nails and between the fingers.
Rub fingertips of each hand in suds
on palm of opposite hand.
Rinse under clean, running water.
Dry hands with a single-use towel.
To facilitate proper handwashing, clean
restroom facilities should be provided for field and
packinghouse workers. Soap, potable water, and
single-use towels should be supplied so workers
can wash their hands and reduce the risk of contaminating
fresh produce. Restrooms should be
easily accessible and cleaned and sanitized on a
regular basis to encourage their use.