FDA Hand wash temp change?
Hello,
I'm sorry if this is already posted but I couldn't find a thread with a date past 2022.
It looks like the FDA changed their standard on temp to a min of 85 in 2022? I see several sites state this but I cannot find the change in Washinton state Leg or FDA docs. They all still refer to the 100 degree reg.
Was there a change?
I beleive the links below are what is being referred to. FDA food code 2022.
https://www.fda.gov/...load?attachment
5-202.12 Handwashing Sink, Installation. (A) A HANDWASHING SINK shall be equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 29.4oC (85oF) through a mixing valve or combination faucet. Pf
Thank you for the info!
Looks like they will not actually call out the temp specific for "handwashing" just sink req
Section 5-202.12 does not establish a temperature for washing hands. Rather, Section 5-202.12 establishes criteria for the installation of handwashing sinks used in a retail food establishment that includes the temperature of the water delivered at the sink. Paragraph 5-202.12(A) states that a handwashing sink must be capable of delivering running water that is at least 29.4°C (85°F).
5-202.12 Handwashing Sink, Installation. Section 5-202.12 does not establish a temperature for washing hands. Rather, Section 5-202.12 establishes criteria for the installation of handwashing sinks used in a retail food establishment that includes the temperature of the water delivered at the sink. Paragraph 5-202.12(A) states that a handwashing sink must be capable of delivering running water that is at least 29.4°C (85°F). An inadequate flow or temperature of water may lead to poor handwashing practices by food employees. A mixing valve or combination faucet is needed to provide properly tempered water for handwashing. The International Plumbing Code (IPC) states that tempered water is having a temperature range between 29.4°C (85°F) and 43°C (110°F). Steam mixing valves are not allowed for this use because they are hard to control and injury by scalding is a possible hazard.
Hello,
I'm sorry if this is already posted but I couldn't find a thread with a date past 2022.
It looks like the FDA changed their standard on temp to a min of 85 in 2022? I see several sites state this but I cannot find the change in Washinton state Leg or FDA docs. They all still refer to the 100 degree reg.
Was there a change?
Washington may not have adapted the 2022 code yet.
The FDA updates the food code every so often. It is then up to the individual states to adapt it or not.
If you do go to 85 F, it depends on how strict your local inspector is or not. Plus how much they understand the science around it.
I was always taught - the length of time, how well you scrub and using soap were more important than the temperature of water for washing hands.
Washington may not have adapted the 2022 code yet.
The FDA updates the food code every so often. It is then up to the individual states to adapt it or not.
If you do go to 85 F, it depends on how strict your local inspector is or not. Plus how much they understand the science around it.
I was always taught - the length of time, how well you scrub and using soap were more important than the temperature of water for washing hands.
You are correct. It has been well documented that the water temp does not matter much. It is difficult for me to understand people still dying on this sword.
You are correct. It has been well documented that the water temp does not matter much. It is difficult for me to understand people still dying on this sword.
It's due to lack of knowledge. I taught the state food code for restaurants while being employed at a land grant university. I was asked many questions by the participants and then had the experts at the university to ask the questions when I didn't know or wasn't sure of the answer.
This is how I learned about water temperature and many other things - through experience rather than my college education. Many of the state inspectors - newer university grads without the years of experience.
Washington is stricter than federal law in a lot of areas (except recreational drugs) and would take precedence.
WAC 246-215-05210 says 100°F so I would go with that unless your county specifically says different.
I come from a hazmat facility and it's insane the extra rules Washington has, so it wouldn't surprise me they are a little extra (or a little behind) on this.