Food safety starts with good handwashing
- MCHD wants to remind residents about the importance of handwashing.
- If you don’t use proper handwashing practices , you’re opening the door to multiple illnesses including influenza , foodborne illness caused by E. coli or other bacteria , Hepatitis A , hand-foot-mouth disease , shigellosis , giardiasis , respiratory diseases , norovirus , the list goes on.
- Wash your hands:
- Before , during and after preparing food.
- Before eating food.
- Before and after treating a cut or wound.
- After using the toilet.
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet.
- After blowing your nose , coughing or sneezing.
- After touching an animal , animal feed or animal waste.
- After handling pet food or pet treats.
- After touching garbage.
- If you’re going to wash them , do it right!
- Wet your hands with clean , running water (warm or cold) , turn off the tap and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands , between your fingers and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean , running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
- Be sure to wash fruits and vegetables , use different plates , cutting boards and utensils when handling raw and cooked items and cook foods to the proper temperatures , as well to avoid getting sick.
