When must food handlers wash their hands?

Washing hands is a critical practice for food handlers to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. While it is indeed necessary to wash hands after clearing tables, this action alone does not capture all the crucial moments when handwashing is essential.

Food handlers must wash their hands specifically after tasks that contaminate their hands with potential pathogens, such as using the restroom, handling raw food, or any other instances that may involve switching between tasks. These practices help eliminate the transfer of bacteria and viruses, which could lead to contamination of food items.

Therefore, while washing hands after clearing tables is one of the times food handlers should practice good hygiene, the obligation to wash hands encompasses more critical moments, ensuring all food safety protocols are followed effectively.