According to the CDC, almost 48 million people in the US get sick with a foodborne illness every year. That’s about 1 out of every 6 Americans! Did you know that the most effective way to stop the spread of foodborne illness is to simply wash your hands? To help employees remember to wash their hands, StateFoodSafety provides stickers that serve as reminders for employees to engage in proper handwashing practices.
Handwashing is important to promote in the workplace because it prevents cross-contamination, which is the leading cause of foodborne illness. Cross-contamination is not limited to the transfer of bacteria in raw food to ready-to-eat food but can also come from the bacteria found on hands, equipment, or surfaces, such as cell phones, clothes, hair, etc. Examples of appropriate times for employees to wash their hands and prevent cross contamination include:
- Before starting work
- After touching raw, fresh, or frozen meat of any kind
- After eating or drinking
- After coughing or sneezing
- After mopping, sweeping, or taking out the garbage
- After using the bathroom; and again before returning to work
Help food workers avoid cross-contamination and stop the spread of foodborne illnesses. Contact StateFoodSafety by filling out this Resource Request Form to get your stickers to promote good handwashing practices. Stickers are available in both English and Spanish.
To learn more about food safety, check out our online food handler and manager training courses.
— Rachel Dame
