What should be done after handwashing?

After handwashing, it is essential to dry hands properly with either paper towels or an air dryer. Drying hands effectively is a crucial step in food safety as microorganisms can spread easily from wet surfaces. When hands are wet, the moisture can attract and harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of cross-contamination when handling food or food contact surfaces.

Using paper towels or an air dryer not only ensures that hands are adequately dried but also can help remove any remaining germs that might still be on the skin after washing. Furthermore, using disposable paper towels allows for a hygienic way to turn off the sink faucet or open doors, minimizing the chance of recontaminating clean hands.

Proper hand drying is essential in maintaining food safety standards and protecting public health, especially in food handling environments.