Environmental Health

Illnesses / Outbreaks

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

I think I have a foodborne illness, how do I make a complaint to the health department?
I have concerns about Listeriosis and the Maple Leaf food recall, can you answer my questions?
When should hands be washed?
Is antibacterial soap better than regular soap?
Are waterless hand sanitizers effective?

Top of page

Answers

I think I have a foodborne illness, how do I make a complaint to the health department?

Click here to go to the Foodborne Illness Complaint Process

Top of page

I have concerns about Listeriosis and the Maple Leaf food recall, can you answer my questions?

Listeriosis Questions & Answers

Top of page

When should hands be washed?

Hands should be washed before:

preparing food
eating
feeding children, including breastfeeding
ands should be washed after:
handling raw meats, poultry and fish
changing diapers
using the bathroom or helping small children in the bathroom
coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose or helping a child blow her nose
caring for a sick family member
touching animals, or cleaning their litter box , cage or removing their waste from the yard and handling pet treats.

Top of page

Is antibacterial soap better than regular soap?

Antibacterial soap is recommended for use in very specific settings. It is not recommended for the general public. There is concern that the use of antibacterial products will lead to bacterial resistance. Regular soap is preferred. For more information, click on the “do bugs need drugs” link.

http://www.dobugsneeddrugs.org/public/index.html

Top of page

Are waterless hand sanitizers effective?

Waterless hand sanitizers such as gels, foams or liquids containing at least 60% alcohol can be effective. These products only work on visibly clean hands, and if the directions are followed. Apply enough sanitizer to cover all areas of your hands, including under your nails. Use a rubbing motion to evenly distribute the product until your hands feel dry. Hand sanitizers do not replace hand washing and should only be used when soap and running water is not available. These products can be used as an additional step after hand washing.

Top of page

Disclaimer Statement

	Environmental Health Illnesses / Outbreaks Frequently Asked Questions Illnesses \| Outbreaks \| Information \| Frequently Asked Questions \| Guidelines / Policies / Standards \| Links & Resources Questions I think I have a foodborne illness, how do I make a complaint to the health department? I have concerns about Listeriosis and the Maple Leaf food recall, can you answer my questions? When should hands be washed? Is antibacterial soap better than regular soap? Are waterless hand sanitizers effective? Top of page Answers I think I have a foodborne illness, how do I make a complaint to the health department? Click here to go to the Foodborne Illness Complaint Process Top of page I have concerns about Listeriosis and the Maple Leaf food recall, can you answer my questions? Listeriosis Questions & Answers Top of page When should hands be washed? Hands should be washed before: preparing food eating feeding children, including breastfeeding ands should be washed after: handling raw meats, poultry and fish changing diapers using the bathroom or helping small children in the bathroom coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose or helping a child blow her nose caring for a sick family member touching animals, or cleaning their litter box , cage or removing their waste from the yard and handling pet treats. Top of page Is antibacterial soap better than regular soap? Antibacterial soap is recommended for use in very specific settings. It is not recommended for the general public. There is concern that the use of antibacterial products will lead to bacterial resistance. Regular soap is preferred. For more information, click on the “do bugs need drugs” link. http://www.dobugsneeddrugs.org/public/index.html Top of page Are waterless hand sanitizers effective? Waterless hand sanitizers such as gels, foams or liquids containing at least 60% alcohol can be effective. These products only work on visibly clean hands, and if the directions are followed. Apply enough sanitizer to cover all areas of your hands, including under your nails. Use a rubbing motion to evenly distribute the product until your hands feel dry. Hand sanitizers do not replace hand washing and should only be used when soap and running water is not available. These products can be used as an additional step after hand washing. Top of page Disclaimer Statement	Quick Links Closure Orders Restaurant Inspections Courses
	E-mail comments to Web Communications. Page last updated on: June 17, 2011

Environmental Health

Illnesses / Outbreaks

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

Answers

Quick Links