What is the purpose of hand sanitizer in food safety?

The purpose of hand sanitizer in food safety is to reduce the number of bacteria on hands. While hand sanitizers can be effective in killing many types of germs, they are not a substitute for handwashing, especially when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Hand sanitizers work by using alcohol or other antimicrobial agents to significantly decrease the microbial load on the skin, thereby helping to maintain a safer environment in food handling and preparation.

In the context of food safety, it's essential to understand that hand sanitizers are meant to complement, not replace, proper handwashing practices, which remove dirt and pathogens more effectively. Utilizing hand sanitizer can be beneficial in situations where soap and water are not readily available, but it should always be used following thorough handwashing to enhance food safety measures.