Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Customize Creamy Comfort - skyscraper - both - 04.19

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Full Case of Bacon No Grease - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Kraft - Bold Flavor, New Home. - skycraper - both - 08.22

Simplot - Pineapple Perfected - RoastWorks - skyscraper - both - 08.20

Simply Potatoes Low Sodium Mashed Potatoes - skyscraper - both - 09.23

Reel in Greater Appeal - skyscraper - both - 10.22

Rich's Plant-Based - Good Things Grow - skyscraper - both - 11.20

Sugar Foods Barista Blend - skyscraper - both - 04.17

McCain - Takeout and Delivery Menu Ideas - banner - both - 05.20

Nestle Stouffers Can Your Classics Do This Recipe Ideas - banner - both - 01.20

Nestle Vitality - Build a Refreshing Beverage Program - both - skyscraper - 04.20

General Mills - Gluten Free Options - banner - both - 03.18

Performance Plus Food Safety - skyscraper - both - 09.21

Knorr's Cook with More Possibilities - banner - both - 09.24

Reel in Greater Appeal - both - banner - 10.22

Campbells Masterbrand SnackCore Chips and Pretzels - both - skyscraper - 02.26

Simplot GoodGrains - banner - both - 01.20

Campbells Masterbrand SnackCore Crackers - both - skyscraper - 02.26

Campbells V8 Peach Mango and Pomegranate Blueberry - both - skycraper - 02.26

Catch of the Season - banner - both - 07.22

Jennie-O Premium Turkey Breast Turkey that Turns Up the Quality - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt banner - both - 04.23

Sugar Foods Deliver It Better - skyscraper - both - 04.20

Knorr's Cook with More Possibilities - skyscraper - both - 09.24

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Mac Pizza - banner - both - 04.19

Entree Redi Wild Alaska Pollock - skyscraper - both - 08.25

Campbells V8 Peach Mango and Pomegranate Blueberry - both - banner - 02.26

Wild Alaska Keta Salmon - skyscraper - both - 08.25

Nestle - Every Season is Pumpkin Season - skyscraper - both - 08.18

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Style and Substance - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Customize Creamy Comfort - banner - both - 04.19

Check Out the Major Products Product Guide - skyscraper - OE - 03.22

Jennie-O Take Burgers Over the Top with Turkey - skyscraper - both - 03.20

Rich's Plant Based Cooking Creme - skyscraper - both - 02.18

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Certified Cage-Free Egg Bites - Portable, Protein-Packed Breakfast - banner - both - 09.23

The back-of-house world is changing, and quickly. Smart sensors, automated checklists, and AI-driven monitoring tools are becoming standard and changing workflows. One truth remains unchanged, however: the most powerful food-safety tool is still a pair of clean, properly washed human hands.
Even with the rise of automation, the fundamentals continue to matter most. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) reports that roughly 80% of infectious diseases are spread by dirty hands. In foodservice, a recent study tracking nearly 187,000 hand-hygiene events in U.S. quick-service and casual-dining kitchens found significant gaps during critical handwashing moments. At the same time, modern hygiene studies consistently show that soap-and-water washing reduces diarrheal and infection risk across multiple settings.
Together, the evidence is clear: thorough handwashing remains the strongest frontline defense in foodservice, a point reinforced by the National Restaurant Association&rsquo;s ServSafe&reg; program, which identifies handwashing as the #1 step in preventing cross-contamination.
Technology can support food safety - but properly and regularly cleaned hands are what truly upholds it.
Technology Helps, But It Can&rsquo;t Replace Clean Hands
Foodservice technology has advanced rapidly, improving monitoring, consistency, and recordkeeping. But it still can&rsquo;t prevent the contamination risks that happen in seconds:
<ul>
<li>Raw-to-ready cross-contamination</li>
<li>Transfer of viruses and bacteria</li>
<li>Touchpoints between surfaces, equipment, and staff</li>
</ul>
A device can remind someone to wash, but it cannot wash thoroughly for them.
The Science Still Favors Soap
While technological innovation brings new efficiencies, soap and water still do what no device can:
<ul>
<li>Soap breaks down oils that trap pathogens</li>
<li>Scrubbing physically dislodges contaminants</li>
<li>Micelles lift and trap germs</li>
<li>Water rinses them away</li>
</ul>
This mechanical action of friction + chemistry is still unmatched and remains the most effective frontline defense in kitchens.
Technology Can't Replace Accountability
Even with digital systems in place, the success of any food-safety program relies on people:
<ul>
<li>Employee awareness</li>
<li>Personal responsibility</li>
<li>Leaders modeling correct behavior</li>
<li>A kitchen culture where handwashing is universal</li>
</ul>
You can automate reminders, but you can&rsquo;t automate responsibility. High-performing kitchens must rely on strong habits, not just strong equipment.
Proper Handwashing (Simple, Effective Steps)
1. Wet hands 2. Apply soap 3. Scrub for 20 seconds: palms, backs, between fingers, under nails 4. Rinse thoroughly 5. Dry completely
Five steps. Twenty seconds. Proven effective.
Future-Proof by Strengthening the Basics
As operators plan for the next decade of innovation, the smartest strategy is blending new technology with timeless SOPs. Proper handwashing continues to support:
<ul>
<li>Stronger inspection performance</li>
<li>Reduced cross-contamination</li>
<li>More consistent guest experiences</li>
<li>Lower foodborne illness risks</li>
<li>A more confident workforce</li>
</ul>
Innovation will continue to reshape the kitchen, but hygiene fundamentals will always define its success.
The Most Future-Ready Move Is Also the Most Simple
For operators wanting to reduce risk and protect their business, the path is clear:
Invest in the basics. Reinforce them relentlessly. Lead by example.
No matter how advanced the kitchen becomes, proper handwashing will always be the simplest and most reliable way to keep guests, employees, and operations safe.
Content courtesy of Handgards, Inc.
Sources:
<a href="https://www.nfid.org/hand-hygiene-101" target="_blank">Arbogast, J. (n.d.). Hand Hygiene 101. National Foundation for Infectious Diseases</a>
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/restaurant-food-safety/php/practices/handwashing.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Food Worker Handwashing in Restaurants</a>
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Foodborne Germs &amp; Illnesses</a>
<a href="https://globalhandwashing.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/HH-2022-Research-Summary_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Global Handwashing Partnership. (2022). 2022 Hand Hygiene Research Summary</a>
<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22000060" target="_blank">Journal of Food Protection. (2022). Hand Hygiene Product Use by Food Employees in Casual Dining and Quick-Service Restaurants</a>
<a href="https://www.servsafe.com" target="_blank">National Restaurant Association. (n.d.). ServSafe</a>
<a href="https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hand-hygiene-day/2021/key-facts-and-figures" target="_blank">World Health Organization. (2021). World Hand Hygiene Day: Key facts and figures</a>

The most powerful food-safety tool is still a pair of clean, properly washed human hands.

Future-Proofing Food Safety: Why Handwashing Still Outperforms Technology

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Future-Proofing Food Safety: Why Handwashing Still Outperforms Technology