After two years of Covid, let us take the time to review some of the Post Covid Hand Washing and Glove Use.
I write this today on Fathers Day 2022 as I sit here with Covid for the second time.
After over two years and still dealing with Covid, it is time to review some things about hand washing and glove use.
Some of the information below was supplied by Hand Washing & Glove Use for Food Workers – Questions and Answers (ny.gov)
See, the main reason for not touching any food with bare hands is to prevent viruses and bacteria present in your body from contaminating the food and beverage. Viruses and bacteria are invisible to the naked eye but may be present on your hands if you do not wash them thoroughly, particularly after using the bathroom. Therefore, the law prohibits bare hand contact with processed and ready-to-eat foods and requires good handwashing by food service workers more than periodically.
The guidelines for glove and food handlers are documented here. Guidelines Food Handlers
When am I required to wash my hands?
- Before starting work.
- Before putting on single-service gloves.
- After touching raw, fresh, or frozen beef, poultry, fish, or meat.
- After mopping, sweeping, removing garbage, or using the telephone.
- After using the bathroom.
- After smoking, eating, sneezing, or drinking.
- After touching anything that might result in contamination of hands.
What is good handwashing?
All employees involved with food preparation must wash their hands and expose portions of their arms with soap and water. Thorough hand washing is done by vigorously rubbing the surfaces of lathered hands and arms for at least 20 seconds, followed by a thorough rinse with clean water. Use a single-service towel or hot air dryer to dry hands. No unique soaps are needed.
Am I required to wear disposable sanitary gloves?
Some states do not require gloves to be worn, but that ready-to-eat food is prepared and served without bare hand contact. Therefore, wearing disposable sanitary gloves is one of several acceptable ways to comply with this law.
How can I prepare or serve ready-to-eat food to avoid contact with my bare hands?
You may use any of the following to prepare or serve foods without bare hand contact:
- tongs
- forks & spoons
- deli paper
- disposable gloves
- waxed paper
- napkins
- spatulas.
What kinds of foods may not be touched with bare hands?
- Prepared fresh fruits and vegetables, served raw
- Salads and salad ingredients
- Cold meats and sandwiches.
- Bread, toast, rolls, and baked goods.
- garnishes such as lettuce, parsley, lemon wedges, potato chips, or pickles on plates
- Fruit or vegetables for mixed drinks
- Ice served to the customer.
- Any food that will not be thoroughly cooked or reheated after being prepared.
What can I do with a ready-to-eat food item if it was touched with bare hands?
You can either heat the food thoroughly to the temperature required for cooking or reheating or discard it if handled with bare hands.
Must I change my gloves after touching money with gloves on?
No. Food outbreak investigations have not identified money handling as a cause of illness. But it is a good idea to change your gloves and wash your hands between touching money and preparing food. Many patrons complain to the local health department if they see food workers using gloves to prepare food and handle money.
Check Also: How to Reduce Cross-Contamination in Restaurant Kitchens
Is a short-order cook required to wear gloves?
The short-order cook may not touch ready-to-eat foods with bare hands. Disposable gloves are one possible way to prevent bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods. Another way is to use forks, tongs, or spatulas.
When do I have to replace or change gloves?
Constantly change gloves if the gloves get ripped, torn, or contaminated. Contamination can occur after using the bathroom, smoking, coughing, sneezing, and in between preparing raw and cooked foods. Food workers’ hands must be washed thoroughly before wearing new gloves.
Where can I learn more about handwashing and glove use?
Your local health department can answer your questions or give you more information about handwashing and glove use and the importance of glove uses in preventing illnesses.
The supply chain on gloves is tight; however, please consider allowing me to quote some pricing by emailing me with your requirements. Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com
Please also check out my podcast at Cleaning Processes with Jerry Podcast