Food Standards Scotland reminds people in Scotland of the importance of handwashing to prevent foodborne illness

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is highlighting the importance of essential, thorough handwashing to prevent food poisoning, after a new survey revealed less than a third (29%) of people always use soap or hand wash and water when they are at home. Additionally, around one fifth of respondents said they spend less time than the recommended 20 seconds washing their hands.

The handwashing tracker, conducted by Ipsos MORI, took place between 10 and 14 July 2020. This is the first of a quarterly tracker which will run for two years to April 2022.

Head of Food Protection Science and Surveillance, Dr Jane Horne, said:

“The first wave of our consumer handwashing tracker shows that a lot of people in Scotland are not always washing their hands thoroughly at home, which is an essential step for good food hygiene.

“To avoid cross contamination around your kitchen and reduce the risk of food poisoning to you and your family, you need to always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing and eating food – and in particular after touching raw foods, especially meat, and before handling ready-to-eat foods.”

Interim Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said:

“Good hand hygiene is the single most important thing you can do to help reduce the spread of infections, including COVID-19.

“Washing your hands properly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds can help protect you, your family and those around you. Whether you’re at home or out and about, you should make regular and thorough hand washing, or the use of hand sanitiser if warm water and soap isn’t available, part of your daily routine.”

The tracker results also showed that only 44% of respondents always wash their hands before eating, and only 85% of respondents always wash their hands after going to the toilet.

• More advice and information on how to prepare and cook food safely in the home page.