Clean hands are happy hands.

Washing your hands regularly with soap is one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases and infections, including many foodborne illnesses. Fortunately, it’s also easy. Here are some tips for how and when to wash.

• Use clean water and soap. Warm water is preferable, but cold water will work if there’s no warm water available.
• In most situations, at least 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap under running water is enough.
• Be sure to always wash your hands before beginning food preparation and when resuming after a break in activity.
• Always wash your hands after handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood products.