When should team members wash their hands according to food safety standards?

Team members should wash their hands after every interaction with food to ensure the highest standards of food safety. This practice helps to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination, which can occur when bacteria and other pathogens are transferred from one food item or surface to another. Regular handwashing, especially after handling raw ingredients, touching their face, or using utensils, is essential in maintaining a safe food preparation environment.

By washing hands frequently, team members can significantly reduce the likelihood of foodborne illnesses, protecting both customers and staff. While washing hands after using the restroom and before cooking are important, they only cover specific scenarios. The requirement to wash hands after every interaction with food encompasses a more comprehensive approach to food safety, ensuring cleanliness throughout the entire food handling process. This is why this answer is aligned with standard food safety protocols.