How often should hands be washed according to established health guidelines?

Hands should be washed before and after handling food to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and to prevent foodborne illnesses. This practice is crucial in a restaurant setting where multiple food items are being prepared and served. By washing hands before food handling, you remove any potential contaminants that could be transferred to the food. Washing hands after handling food ensures that any germs or bacteria picked up during that process are eliminated, maintaining a clean environment for preparing additional meals.

The other suggestions do not align with health guidelines. Washing hands only once a day does not provide the regular cleaning necessary to prevent the risk of contamination that occurs throughout a busy service. Washing hands only when felt necessary can lead to missed opportunities for sanitization, particularly after activities that come with a higher risk of contamination. Additionally, washing hands every two hours is excessively infrequent and does not reflect the recommended practice of washing hands immediately before and after certain activities related to food preparation and handling.