When should food handlers wash their hands?

Food handlers must wash their hands at specific times to prevent contamination and ensure food safety, which is critical in any food service environment.

Washing hands after sneezing, coughing, or using a tissue is essential because these actions can spread pathogens. When a food handler sneezes or coughs, germs from their mouth or nose can contaminate their hands, and subsequent contact with food could lead to foodborne illness. Therefore, handwashing in this context is a key practice for maintaining hygiene.

Additionally, washing hands after taking out the garbage is equally important. Handling garbage can expose food handlers to bacteria and other contaminants that could easily transfer to clean food or food prep areas. Proper handwashing after such tasks is vital to eliminate any harmful substances or germs that may have come into contact with the hands.

The combination of these practices emphasizes the necessity of handwashing at critical moments to ensure the safety and cleanliness of food preparation and handling environments. This understanding supports the overall commitment to food safety within operations like Whataburger, where maintaining strict hygiene standards is fundamental.