ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

Hand antiseptics should be used:

1. Before handling food

2. After using gloves

3. After handwashing

4. Before handwashing

The correct answer is: After handwashing

Hand antiseptics play a crucial role in food safety and hygiene practices. The correct answer is that hand antiseptics should be used after handwashing. This is because handwashing is the primary method for removing dirt, pathogens, and other contaminants from the hands. Once hands are thoroughly washed and dried, applying a hand antiseptic can provide an additional layer of protection by killing any remaining bacteria or viruses. Using hand antiseptics before handwashing would not be effective, as the purpose of handwashing is to remove contaminants, which means that applying an antiseptic beforehand would be unnecessary and could potentially interfere with the cleansing process. Likewise, although it might be tempting to use hand antiseptics after using gloves or before handling food, it’s essential to prioritize proper handwashing first, as gloves can still carry some contaminants from the surfaces they’ve touched. Proper protocol dictates that hands should be clean before applying any antiseptic for optimal effectiveness.