Hand Washing and Drying Frequency

Extremely high hand washing and drying frequency can have negative effects on skin health, due to physical disruption of the skin's natural barrier properties. When this happens, skin cracking and sores can result, having overall adverse consequences on hygiene.

Acceptable frequency of hand washing and drying needs to be established on a case-by-case basis, with the goals of reducing hand contamination, ensuring full sanitary compliance and safe food production.

When to Wash and Dry Your Hands

Hands should always be washed and dried:

• Upon entry to the work area.
• As often as needed to remove soil and prevent product contamination.
• Before and after eating and drinking, and after smoking or completing the handling of money.
• After using the toilet.
• After sneezing, coughing onto hands, or touching the face, hair or clothing.
• After touching any dirty surface, soiled equipment or utensil.
• Between glove changes.
• When switching from raw food handling to cooked or ready-to-eat food preparation.