Sanitizing with Alcohol is Biting the Hand that Feeds You

There are millions of people involved in the giant food service industry who have either direct or occasional contact with the very foods that are either served to or prepared for the general public. Some of these individuals follow very strict compliance regulations that relate to food handling. However, alcohol-based sanitizers, the “holy grail” of most of these programs can actually increase the spread of contamination.

 

This should not come as any surprise to anyone who has experienced the drying and cracking effect of alcohol sanitizes on their hands. Just imagine how your hands would look and feel if you were required to apply these sanitizers multiple times throughout the day.  Human subject testing performed at California State University proved that the cracks caused by multiple use of alcohol can harbor germs that escape even vigorous subsequent hand sanitizing events. The increased risk of germ spread to the general public resulting from the use of alcohol sanitizers has not been properly addressed by the food, healthcare or for that matter any industry. This “dirty little secret” is compounded by the fact that a large percentage of the adult population suffer from some form of skin sensitivity affecting their hands like dermatitis.  These individuals have to make the daily choice between their own comfort and the safety of those they serve.

SafeHands Makes Hand Sanitizing Kids’ Play

Although hand sanitizing has become a healthy ritual for many adults, it is the younger population that is at greater risk of serious health effects from germ spread. A case in point is where twenty-one children and one adult at a KinderCare Learning Center in Chicago, IL contracted E coli from a recent outbreak. The Cook County Department of Public Health has mandated all children and adults be tested for the bacteria infection as it threatens to spread further.

 

The outbreak – linked to a lack of hand washing – was first reported to the department Feb. 2 and sent three tots to area hospitals. Young children will not likely embrace the idea of frequent sanitizing with the current standard alcohol based sanitizers even if they are permitted in their play or study areas because they irritate their sensitive skin and have a strong smell.

 

SQUIRTS® is the first instant hands sanitizer that addresses the daycare market and health needs. The packaging, featuring playful characters, is designed to capture the imagination and interest of children. For more information on SQUIRTS, visit http://www.safehands4u.com/