When must food handlers wash their hands?

Food handlers must wash their hands before and after handling food, as well as after using the restroom, to ensure proper hygiene and prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. Handwashing at these key moments eliminates harmful bacteria and contaminants that may be transferred from the hands to food or food contact surfaces. This practice is fundamental in maintaining food safety standards.

Washing hands only after handling raw meat or every hour does not address the critical times when hands may become contaminated. Also, limiting handwashing to only before serving food neglects the importance of hand hygiene before food preparation or handling, which is essential to prevent cross-contamination.