Food Manager Practice Exam

How long should food preparers wash their hands for effective sanitation?

1. 20 seconds

2. 15 seconds

3. 30 seconds

4. 25 seconds

The correct answer is: 20 seconds

Effective handwashing is critical for preventing foodborne illness, as it removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses that can contaminate food. The recommendation for the duration of washing hands is 20 seconds. This time frame allows sufficient friction and time for soap to break down and wash away contaminants effectively. During this 20-second period, it's important to scrub all parts of the hands, including the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails. This thorough approach ensures that all potential areas of contamination are properly cleaned. The other timeframes, such as 15 seconds, may not be long enough to achieve the desired level of sanitation, as studies have shown that viruses can remain on hands unless thoroughly washed with soap for an adequate duration. Longer durations, like 30 seconds or 25 seconds, may provide additional washing time, but the key guideline is that a minimum of 20 seconds is effective for strong sanitation practices in food preparation settings.