State Food Safety Practice Exam

During handwashing, how long should a food worker scrub their hands and arms?

1. 15 seconds

2. 20 seconds

3. 10 seconds

4. 5 seconds

The correct answer is: 15 seconds

The recommended duration for scrubbing hands and arms during handwashing to ensure proper hygiene is 20 seconds. This amount of time is based on guidelines that emphasize the importance of thoroughly cleaning all surfaces of the hands and forearms, including between the fingers, under the nails, and all areas of the skin. Scrubbing for the appropriate duration helps to break down and remove bacteria, viruses, and dirt that may be present. While some might think that a shorter time frame could suffice, studies and health guidelines stress that adequate scrubbing time significantly enhances the effectiveness of handwashing in preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses. Therefore, ensuring that scrubbing lasts for 20 seconds is crucial in maintaining food safety in any food service environment.