A manager observes a food worker washing hands. After scrubbing with soap for 5 seconds, what should the manager ask her to do?

A manager observes a food worker washing hands. After scrubbing with soap for 5 seconds, what should the manager ask her to do?

• A. Reapply soap and scrub for 10 to 15 seconds
• B. Rinse hands and dry immediately
• C. Use hand sanitizer after washing
• D. Dry hands with a towel after washing

Answer: (B)

After handwashing, finishing steps are essential to remove soap, dirt, and moisture that can carry or transfer bacteria. The best next step is to rinse the hands thoroughly under running water and then dry them promptly with a clean towel or disposable paper towel. Rinsing helps wash away any soil and soap residues loosened during scrubbing, while drying reduces moisture that can support microbial growth and minimize the chance of transferring contaminants to food or surfaces. Using sanitizer after washing isn’t a substitute for a proper rinse and dry, and drying with a clean towel is preferred to avoid recontamination from dirty cloths.

After handwashing, finishing steps are essential to remove soap, dirt, and moisture that can carry or transfer bacteria. The best next step is to rinse the hands thoroughly under running water and then dry them promptly with a clean towel or disposable paper towel. Rinsing helps wash away any soil and soap residues loosened during scrubbing, while drying reduces moisture that can support microbial growth and minimize the chance of transferring contaminants to food or surfaces. Using sanitizer after washing isn’t a substitute for a proper rinse and dry, and drying with a clean towel is preferred to avoid recontamination from dirty cloths.