Visits to six classrooms during the past week to share the importance of proper hand washing were fun and educational. Kids as young as three were learning about the importance of washing their hands so that they can stay healthy. I have access to a Glo-Germ TM, complete with a black light. After tossing a balloon around that had the “magic potion” on it we could see exactly where the germs were hiding.
So what are your hand washing habits? Do you always wash your hands with soap and warm water? Do you dry your hands on a single use towel? Do you wash your hands before, during and after handling food? Other important times to wash those hands includes: when playing with a pet, after gardening, after using the restroom and whenever you sneeze or cough into your hand.
Food Safety Awareness month will be coming to an end in another week but I hope the reminders I have made will stick with you for the months to come. Proper hand washing is the single best defense for the spread of germs that can get into our food supply and make people sick. The correct way to wash hands is to spend at least 15 seconds rubbing hands with adequate soap and warm water. Using a single use paper towel to dry is best.
For additional information about food safety feel free to give me a call.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu