Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What are the health consequences of food contamination
Each year, food contamination causes millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths in the US.
What are the basic types of food contaminants?
Physical agents, such as broken glass or metal; chemical agents, like cleaning solutions and pesticides; and biological agents, like bacteria and viruses.
What is the most common cause of foodborne illness?
Biological agents such as bacteria and viruses.
How can dangerous contaminants get on our hands?
Touching common objects, like door knobs; touching animals; touching the nose or mouth; touching cuts, scrapes, and sores; touching raw or contaminated food; and touching fecal matter when using the bathroom.
What's the best way to remove dangerous contaminants from your hands?
Washing your hands with soap and/or sanitizers.
What is soap and when should I use it?
Cleaning compounds that break down dirt and grease. Generally, soaps are the thing to use in most cases.
What are hand sanitizers and when should I use them?
Antiseptics, usually alcohol-based, that are effective at killing germs. Sanitizers should be used after washing your hands with soap and water or when soap and water are not available.
For how long should I wash my hands?
For at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water.