What is the recommended action after touching raw meat?

• A. Wash hands thoroughly
• B. Rinse hands with water only
• C. Wipe hands with a towel
• D. Use hand sanitizer

Answer: (A)

Touching raw meat can transfer bacteria to your hands, so the best action is to wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing all parts of the hands—between the fingers, under the nails, and around the wrists—then rinse and dry with a clean towel. This method physically removes microbes and residues, reducing the risk of spreading contamination to other foods, surfaces, or your face.

Rinsing with water alone doesn’t effectively remove fats and microbes. Wiping with a towel can transfer bacteria from hands to the towel and back, especially if the towel is reused. Hand sanitizer may help against some germs, but it isn’t reliable when hands are greasy or dirty from raw meat and doesn’t remove residues as effectively as soap and water.