What is the minimum period of time that the FDA recommends employees wash their hands and arms up to the elbow?

The FDA recommends that employees wash their hands and arms up to the elbow for a minimum of 20 seconds. This duration is critical for ensuring that all surfaces of the hands and arms are thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can contribute to foodborne illnesses.

Twenty seconds is considered an effective amount of time to adequately lather with soap and scrub all areas of the hands, including the backs, between the fingers, and under the nails. This thorough cleansing helps prevent the cross-contamination of food and surfaces in food handling environments. The recommendation is based on studies that indicate this duration significantly reduces the microbial load on the hands compared to shorter washing times.

In food safety and sanitation practices, the emphasis on proper handwashing techniques and duration is a key component in promoting public health and safety. This adherence to recommended washing times helps ensure a safer food supply for consumers.