Which statement about hand washing is correct?

The correct answer highlights that soap must be used with water during hand washing. This practice is essential because soap plays a critical role in effectively removing dirt, grease, and pathogens from the skin's surface. Water alone cannot adequately eliminate all harmful microorganisms, while soap works to break down oils and dirt, allowing them to be rinsed away.

Using soap in conjunction with water ensures a more thorough cleaning process, which is vital in food handling environments to maintain hygiene and prevent foodborne illnesses. Additionally, it’s important to remember that simply using an alcohol-based sanitizer is not a substitute for proper hand washing with soap and water, as sanitizers may not be effective against all types of germs. Moreover, washing hands is necessary even when gloves are worn, as gloves can become contaminated, and hands should still be clean before putting on gloves for food preparation.