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Why Is Handwashing Critical in Food Preparation, and How Should It Be Done?

Handwashing is often forgotten when we cook, but it’s really important for keeping our food safe. Our hands touch many surfaces every day, and they can carry germs that can make us sick. Just think about it: if you've touched your face, handled raw meat, or even grabbed a spice jar, there could be nasty germs ready to get into your food!

Why Is Handwashing Important?

  1. Stops Germs from Spreading: Germs like Salmonella and E. coli can hide on our hands without us knowing. Washing your hands can help remove these germs and keep food clean.

  2. Keeps You Safe: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 48 million people get sick from food each year. Washing your hands can help protect you and your family.

  3. Builds a Good Habit: If you wash your hands properly, it sets a good example for everyone else in the kitchen. It encourages them to wash their hands too!

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

To make sure you wash your hands the right way, follow these steps every time:

  1. Wet Your Hands: Use clean running water, either warm or cold, and get your hands nice and wet.

  2. Apply Soap: Use enough soap to cover all parts of your hands.

  3. Scrub Your Hands: Rub your hands together strongly for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to clean the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. You can sing the "Happy Birthday" song two times to help time it!

  4. Rinse: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water to wash away the soap and any dirt.

  5. Dry Your Hands: Use a clean towel or let your hands air dry. Don’t use a dirty towel because it can spread more germs!

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

  • Before Cooking: Always wash your hands before you start to handle any food.
  • After Handling Raw Foods: If you’ve touched raw meat, fish, or eggs, wash your hands after so you don’t spread germs to other foods.
  • After Touching Your Face or Hair: If you touch your glasses or scratch your nose, make sure to wash your hands before you continue cooking.

Adding this easy step to your cooking routine makes a big difference in food safety. So, the next time you’re in the kitchen cooking, remember: clean hands mean better meals!

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Why Is Handwashing Critical in Food Preparation, and How Should It Be Done?

Handwashing is often forgotten when we cook, but it’s really important for keeping our food safe. Our hands touch many surfaces every day, and they can carry germs that can make us sick. Just think about it: if you've touched your face, handled raw meat, or even grabbed a spice jar, there could be nasty germs ready to get into your food!

Why Is Handwashing Important?

  1. Stops Germs from Spreading: Germs like Salmonella and E. coli can hide on our hands without us knowing. Washing your hands can help remove these germs and keep food clean.

  2. Keeps You Safe: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 48 million people get sick from food each year. Washing your hands can help protect you and your family.

  3. Builds a Good Habit: If you wash your hands properly, it sets a good example for everyone else in the kitchen. It encourages them to wash their hands too!

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

To make sure you wash your hands the right way, follow these steps every time:

  1. Wet Your Hands: Use clean running water, either warm or cold, and get your hands nice and wet.

  2. Apply Soap: Use enough soap to cover all parts of your hands.

  3. Scrub Your Hands: Rub your hands together strongly for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to clean the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. You can sing the "Happy Birthday" song two times to help time it!

  4. Rinse: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water to wash away the soap and any dirt.

  5. Dry Your Hands: Use a clean towel or let your hands air dry. Don’t use a dirty towel because it can spread more germs!

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

  • Before Cooking: Always wash your hands before you start to handle any food.
  • After Handling Raw Foods: If you’ve touched raw meat, fish, or eggs, wash your hands after so you don’t spread germs to other foods.
  • After Touching Your Face or Hair: If you touch your glasses or scratch your nose, make sure to wash your hands before you continue cooking.

Adding this easy step to your cooking routine makes a big difference in food safety. So, the next time you’re in the kitchen cooking, remember: clean hands mean better meals!

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