What should be done after caring for aquatic animals in food service?

After caring for aquatic animals in food service, it is essential to wash hands thoroughly. This practice is critical for food safety and hygiene, as aquatic animals can carry various pathogens that may pose health risks if transmitted to food or food-contact surfaces. Washing hands with soap and water helps to eliminate any contaminants and microorganisms that may have been acquired during handling.

Thorough hand washing is especially important after working with raw seafood or aquatic animals due to the risk of cross-contamination. Pathogens like Vibrio and Salmonella can be prevalent in such environments, and proper hand hygiene is a cornerstone of preventing foodborne illnesses. Using just hand sanitizer or wearing gloves without washing hands is inadequate, as these methods do not effectively remove all bacteria or potential allergens. Additionally, there is no justification for not washing hands at all, as it could lead to serious health risks in food service settings.