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Health & Nutrition: Food Safety and Quality

What is the correct way to wash my hands?

Proper hand washing steps include:

1. Use very warm, running water and soap (an antibacterial soap is best).
2. Scrub both sides of the hands for about 20 or 30 seconds.
3. Pay close attention to under the fingernails and around the hair follicles at the bottom of each finger and on the back of the hands.
4. Rinse well with very warm, running water.
5. Dry hands with a disposable paper towel.

Hands should be washed:

• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers, (wash the hands of the diapered child too)
• After helping a child at the toilet
• Whenever hands come in contact with body fluids, including vomit, saliva and runny noses
• Before fixing or eating food
• After touching raw meat, poultry, fish or eggs
• After meals and snacks