Hand Hygiene
Clean hands are the first line of defense against product contamination
According to the NSF Nonfood Compounds Registration Program, "NSF is based on meeting regulatory requirements including FDA 21 CFR for appropriate use, ingredient and labeling review. Rated soaps and sanitizers are acceptable for use in and around food processing areas."
Nelson-Jameson recommends using NSF-rated products while in food production areas. The NSF Nonfood Compounds Registration Program is a continuation of the USDA product approval and listing program.
Examples of products that are not NSF-rated for use in food processing may include soaps and sanitizers containing fragrances and dyes. See our NSF-rated products below.
Shop NSF rated products
E1 Hand Washes
Acceptable hand wash compound for use in and around food processing. After washing with the E1 rated product, an E3 rated hand sanitizer must be used before returning to the production area.
E2 Hand Soap
Acceptable for use as a handwashing and sanitizing compound for use in and around food processing areas. The dispenser should be located a sufficient distance from the processing line to prevent accidental product contamination. Wash hands with an adequate amount of soap and rinse with running filtered water. It is recommended to follow with an E3 Rated Hand Sanitizer.
E3 Hand Sanitizers
Acceptable for use as a hand sanitizing product in and around food processing areas. The dispenser should be located a sufficient distance from the processing line to prevent accidental product contamination. To be used after adequately washing hands with an E2 Rated Hand Soap. Provides pathogen protection beyond what handwashing alone can do.
Hand sanitizers & gloved hands
Hand sanitizers do not replace handwashing. Hand Sanitizers are meant to be used on bare hands after properly washing hands. Food handlers and/or Food Production Facilities should select an E3 rated hand sanitizer. According to current FDA requirements, alcohol hand sanitizers must contain 60-90% alcohol and state their percentage of alcohol on the product label.
When using gloves, wash and sanitize hands first with an E3 rated hand sanitizer, then apply gloves. If you choose to sanitize gloves, this should be done using a D2 Food Contact Approved surface sanitizer. Gloves are considered a surface, and as such should follow the same protocols for sanitizing food contact surfaces.
Hand hygiene video resources
For additional information on hand hygiene, view the FDA Employee Health and Personal Hygiene Handbook.
E1 Hand Washes
Acceptable hand wash compound for use in and around food processing. After washing with the E1 rated product, an E3 rated hand sanitizer must be used before returning to the production area.
E2 Hand Soap
Acceptable for use as a handwashing and sanitizing compound for use in and around food processing areas. Dispenser should be located a sufficient distance from the processing line to prevent accidental product contamination. Wash hands with an adequate amount of soap and rinse with running filtered water. It is recommended to follow with an E3 Rated Hand Sanitizer.
E3 Hand Sanitizers
Acceptable for use as a hand sanitizing product in and around food processing areas. Dispenser should be located a sufficient distance from the processing line to prevent accidental product contamination. To be used after adequately washing hands with an E2 Rated Hand Soap. Provides pathogen protection beyond what handwashing alone can do.
E4 Hand Creams, Lotions and Cleansers
Acceptable for use after work or in non-processing areas.