Food safety
Wash hands after raw meat before ready-to-eat food
After raw meat, poultry, or seafood, wash with soap before touching cooked food, fruit, or utensils.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09
Why it matters
Raw-food germs on hands can contaminate ready-to-eat food even when no dirt is visible.
Wrong action
Rinsing briefly with water after raw meat, then handling fruit, rice, or utensils.
Correct action
Wash thoroughly with soap and running water, dry, then change tasks.
What to do
- After raw-food work, avoid touching other items.
- Wash palms, backs, between fingers, and nails with soap.
- Dry hygienically before handling ready-to-eat food and clean utensils.
If something happens
If anyone becomes severely ill, vomits repeatedly, has breathing difficulty, or becomes unresponsive after eating, stop serving, call 999, and keep packaging and remaining food.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — Five Keys to Food Safety guidance
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.