Hand sanitizers can be used in place of hand washing during busy periods.

Hand sanitizers are not a substitute for hand washing in a food handling environment, regardless of the circumstances. While hand sanitizers can be effective for reducing the number of germs on hands, they do not remove dirt, grease, or food particles. Hand washing with soap and water is essential for effectively cleaning hands, especially after handling food, using the restroom, or touching any surfaces that may harbor pathogens.

In busy periods, it is still critical to prioritize proper hand hygiene, as foodborne illnesses can arise from non-compliance with health standards. Sanitizers should be considered an additional measure, not a replacement for the thorough cleaning that comes from hand washing. Thus, the statement about hand sanitizers being an acceptable replacement is incorrect.