Food Safety Focus (239th Issue, June 2026) – Article 4

Food Safety Day 2026 – Love at the First Wash – Wash Hands Like a Germ Killer, Stay Clean Like No Other

Food Safety Day (FSD) (7 June), which echoes with the World Food Safety Day of the United Nations, is an annual event which highlights food safety issues of local interest. This year, we focus on the importance of clean hands as an important component of the “Five Keys to Food Safety”. When food handlers’ hands are not properly cleaned, harmful microorganisms can spread from people and raw ingredients to work surfaces, utensils and ready-to-eat food. This may also include bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials, also known as “superbugs”.

Washing hands with liquid soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective defences against foodborne illness. It should be done before and after handling food, and whenever hands may be contaminated — for example, after touching the face, coughing or sneezing, using the toilet, smoking, handling money, waste, mobile phones, chemicals or raw ingredients. One should also wash hands after touching pets.

To echo FSD 2026, let us keep hands clean to reduce foodborne illnesses.