What is the best practice for washing hands between customer interactions?

• A. Wash hands after money handling, after restroom use, after touching shared surfaces, and before handling food.
• B. Wash hands only after restroom use.
• C. Wash hands only at the end of shift.
• D. Rinse hands with water only.

Answer: (A)

Hand hygiene between customers is about preventing cross-contamination. Hands can pick up germs from money, from restroom use, and from touching shared surfaces, and those germs can move to food, utensils, or the next person you serve. Washing after money handling removes microbes that may be on cash or cards. Washing after restroom use eliminates bacteria that can be present on hands. Washing after touching shared surfaces catches germs picked up from door handles, counters, or equipment. Washing before handling food ensures nothing contaminated touches the food. Use soap and running water, scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse, dry with a disposable towel, and use that towel to turn off the faucet. This approach covers all the moments where contamination can occur and is more effective than washing only at a single time, or rinsing with water alone.