Which statement is true about sanitizer use and handwashing?

• A. It should be used only after washing
• B. It can replace washing
• C. It should be used before washing
• D. It has no place in food handling

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that hand sanitizers support hygiene, but they don’t replace washing. In food handling, you must wash with soap and warm water first to remove dirt, grease, and most microbes. After your hands are clean and dry, you can use a sanitizer to reduce any remaining germs. Using sanitizer before washing won’t remove soil and can give a false sense of cleanliness, and sanitizer should never take the place of washing, especially if hands are visibly dirty. If hands are dirty or greasy, you should wash them before sanitizing. Follow label directions for sanitizer use (proper concentration and contact time) as a final cleanliness step.