Can hand sanitizers replace hand washing at any time?

Hand sanitizers are valuable tools in maintaining hygiene, but they should never be considered a complete replacement for hand washing. Hand washing with soap and water effectively removes dirt, grease, and harmful pathogens from the skin, which is crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses. The mechanical action of scrubbing with soap helps dislodge these contaminants from the surfaces of the hands.

While hand sanitizers can reduce the number of germs when soap and water are not available, they do not eliminate all types of germs, especially certain bacteria and viruses that are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. Additionally, if hands are visibly soiled or greasy, hand sanitizers will not work effectively. This is why hand washing is emphasized as the gold standard for hand hygiene, especially in food handling situations. It is an indispensable practice that ensures comprehensive germ removal, reinforcing the importance of soap and water over sanitizers in many scenarios.