Hand hygiene experts warn against rinsing with water alone

Health experts warn that rinsing hands with water alone after handling raw meat, poultry, or fish is insufficient to prevent illness. While water may remove surface residue and stickiness, pathogens adhere to the fats and proteins left behind by raw foods.

To prevent cross-contamination—such as transferring bacteria from raw chicken to vegetables intended for raw consumption—it is essential to use soap and friction. Health authorities, including the FDA, recommend washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, ensuring coverage of palms, the backs of hands, and between fingers to effectively dissolve the greasy film where microorganisms reside.