Conference for Food Protection

2016 Biennial Meeting

Issue View | Council III | 2016 Scribe Packet

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Issue Number: Council III 004

Issue History

This is a brand new Issue.

Title

HHC 2 - Definition for “Hand Cleaning Compound”

Issue you would like the Conference to consider

The CFP Hand Hygiene Committee (HHC) was charged to ascertain if additional definitions are necessary to clarify the hand hygiene procedures listed in the Food Code.

The Hand Cleaning Procedures found in the 2013 FDA Food Code section 2-301.12(B)(2) requires food employees to "apply an amount of cleaning compound recommended by the cleaning compound manufacturer."

The HHC identified specific areas in the Food Code where amendments and definitions can provide further clarity to regulators and retail food stakeholders. Prevention of cross-contamination is essential in foodservice, and explicitness in the Food Code can help reduce potential risk. The HHC identified that defining "Hand Cleaning Compound" was necessary to eliminate ambiguity in what exactly could be used as a hand cleaning compound.

Public Health Significance

The main purpose of washing hands is to cleanse the hands of soil, pathogens and chemicals that can potentially cause disease. Transmission of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites to food from contaminated surfaces, raw food, or ill workers by way of improperly washed hands continues to be a major factor in the spread of foodborne illnesses.

Regulators and retail foodservice stakeholders reference the Food Code for guidance and clarity on appropriate approaches for removal or reduction of potential pathogens from hands. Therefore, the Food Code should be inclusive of clarifying language to assure the reader understands intent.

Recommended Solution: The Conference recommends...

that a letter be sent to the FDA requesting the 2013 Food Code be amended as follows (using underlining for language additions):

1. Add a definition for "Hand Cleaning Compound"

"HAND CLEANING COMPOUND" - A formulated hand hygiene product used to remove soils and transient microorganisms on hands.

2. Replace the term "cleaning compound" with "HAND CLEANING COMPOUND" as appropriate throughout the Food Code and related guidance documents.

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