Is Your Hand Sanitizer FDA-Approved and Safe for Food Handling?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the safety of hand sanitizers in relation to food handling, particularly focusing on FDA approval and the potential risks associated with using non-approved products. Participants share personal experiences and alternative practices regarding hand hygiene before food preparation.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses concern over using non-FDA-approved hand sanitizers before handling food, citing potential dangers from certain ingredients.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using Pampered Chef soap as an alternative to hand sanitizer, noting it leaves no sticky residue and is safe for food handling.
  • One participant points out that while Pampered Chef soap is not antibacterial, they are cautious about using diluted antibacterial soap, as it may lose its effectiveness.
  • Another participant suggests using gloves as a solution to ensure food safety during demonstrations.
  • A participant thanks Dee for raising awareness about food safety and mentions the importance of using FDA-approved sanitizers at shows.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and safety of various hand hygiene practices, with some participants advocating for FDA-approved sanitizers while others prefer alternative methods like soap or gloves. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and insights related to food safety, influenced by professional backgrounds in food safety education and culinary arts.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in food safety practices and those looking for alternative methods for hand hygiene during food demonstrations may find this discussion relevant.

DeeisPampered
Messages
47
My sister teaches food safety for a living. She just told me that I shouldn't use ANY kind of had sanitizer before handling food unless it is APPROVED BY the FDA. There are ingredients in the sanitizer that are dangerous if ingested and can be transfered to food if you use them right before you touch your food! I am freaking out because I was and use sanitizer at every show and I just checked and it isn't approved. Into the garbage it went! Pass it on!

God Bless,
Dee
 
Use PC soapI put our Lemon & Rosemary soap into our Suds' Pump and use that (no water) right before I demo. I show that it's easy to do, wipe it off with a towel and there is no sticky residue. I've never "tasted" my fingers afterward but don't think they'd transfer any soapy taste to the food. It's an alternative that sells soap & pumps. :o
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Yes, it does sell soap and pumps, however, our soap is not antibacterial soap and thus we do not get that added protection when we use it.

Plus, as much as I love our products, I will not use the pump because when you water down the antibacterial soap, you loose all the antibacterial properties that were put in there to kill the bacteria. I could tell you things that would curl your hair about food and bacteria and such that I have learned from my sister.

This is what she does for a living. Not only does she teach this on a college level for a MAJOR cullinary arts school, but she has done consulting work with several large companies you would recognize to teach their employees FOOD PREP safety. It scares me sometimes to think about it.

God Bless,
Dee
 
Buy the gloves on paperwork/supply. Then everyone is happy.
 
Hi Dee,Thank you for sharing this important information about food safety. As a Pampered Chef consultant, it is crucial for us to prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers. I will definitely be passing on this advice to my team and making sure we are only using FDA-approved hand sanitizers at our shows. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Stay safe and happy cooking!Best,
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is your hand sanitizer FDA-approved?

Not all hand sanitizers are FDA-approved. It’s important to check the label for FDA approval status. The FDA regulates hand sanitizers, but only those that meet specific criteria and are manufactured according to their guidelines are considered approved.

What does it mean for a hand sanitizer to be FDA-approved?

FDA approval means that the hand sanitizer has been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. It must meet specific standards set by the FDA, ensuring that it is safe for consumer use and effective in killing germs.

Is it safe to use hand sanitizer while handling food?

Using hand sanitizer while handling food is generally not recommended unless it is specifically formulated for food handling. Some hand sanitizers may contain ingredients that are not safe for consumption, so it’s best to wash hands with soap and water before handling food.

What should I look for in a hand sanitizer for food handling?

When selecting a hand sanitizer for food handling, look for products that are labeled as food-safe or approved for use in food service. These products should have ingredients that are safe for ingestion and comply with FDA regulations for food contact.

Can I use any hand sanitizer if I wash my hands afterward?

While washing hands after using hand sanitizer can help reduce any potential residue, it’s still best to use a hand sanitizer that is safe for food handling. This minimizes any risk of contamination and ensures that you are following best practices for food safety.

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