What is the minimum period that the FDA recommends employees wash their hands and arms up to the elbow?

The FDA recommends that employees wash their hands and arms up to the elbow for a minimum of 20 seconds to effectively remove dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can contaminate food. This specific duration allows for the thorough cleansing needed to ensure that all surfaces, including difficult-to-reach areas like between the fingers and under the nails, are properly sanitized.

The emphasis on a 20-second duration is based on research that shows this time is adequate to achieve a significant reduction in microbial presence on the skin. Proper handwashing technique, combined with the recommended time, helps to prevent foodborne illnesses and promotes food safety in food handling environments.

Choosing a shorter duration, such as 10 or 15 seconds, may not provide sufficient time for effective cleaning, thereby increasing the risk of cross-contamination. While washing for 30 seconds is certainly more thorough, the FDA's guidelines establish 20 seconds as the minimum scientifically recommended standard for effective hygiene practices in food safety.