Scientific Evidence Supports the Use of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers as an Effective Alternative to Hand Washing in Retail Food and Food Service Settings When Heavy Soiling Is Not Present on Hands

What is it about?

Handwashing compliance among food service workers has remained poor for more than 20 years. Food handlers face multiple barriers that make compliance with hand washing difficult. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be made more easily available, are faster to use, and more effective than handwashing if hands are not heavily soiled. Expanding the indications for which alcohol-based hand sanitizers are permitted in retail food establishments should improve hand hygiene compliance and reduce foodborne illnesses.

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