Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water is crucial before handling food because it effectively removes harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can be present on the hands. This practice helps prevent foodborne illnesses and ensures the safety of the food being prepared or served.

Using soap in combination with water is essential, as the mechanical action of scrubbing, along with the emulsifying properties of soap, significantly enhances the cleaning process, eliminating pathogens more effectively than water alone. The recommended duration for handwashing is at least 20 seconds to ensure that all areas of the hands are cleaned properly.

Other options such as only washing hands when dirt is visible, relying solely on hand sanitizers, or wiping hands on a towel do not provide the same level of protection. They do not address all potential contaminants or might not achieve the necessary level of sanitation required in food handling. Hand sanitizers can be useful in certain situations but should not replace proper handwashing, especially when hands are visibly soiled.