What does the CDC recommend regarding hand sanitizers during food preparation?

The recommendation from the CDC highlights the importance of proper hand hygiene in food preparation settings. Hand sanitizers are effective in reducing the number of germs on the skin, but they do not eliminate all types of germs and do not remove dirt, grease, or food residues. Therefore, hand sanitizers should never be considered a substitute for hand washing with soap and water. Instead, they are meant to supplement hand washing, particularly in situations where soap and water are not immediately available.

This distinction underscores the necessity of thorough cleaning of hands with soap and water as the primary method to ensure food safety. The emphasis is on the fact that while hand sanitizers can be useful, they cannot achieve the same level of cleanliness as hand washing. Hence, the CDC clearly advises that hand sanitizers should not replace the fundamental practice of washing hands with soap and water during food preparation.