What is the minimum temperature that a hand wash sink must provide?

The minimum temperature that a hand wash sink must provide is 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This standard is established to ensure that water is hot enough to effectively remove dirt and pathogens from hands during handwashing. Water that is too cold may not be effective in sanitizing hands, which can lead to the transmission of harmful bacteria and viruses, particularly in food service environments such as Jack In The Box.

Hand washing is a critical practice in food safety, as it helps to prevent foodborne illnesses by ensuring that employees maintain proper hygiene when handling food and food contact surfaces. The recommended temperature is high enough to create a comfortable experience for employees, encouraging frequent and thorough handwashing. In contrast, temperatures lower than this benchmark may discourage staff from washing their hands properly due to discomfort from cold water, thereby increasing the risk of contamination and food safety violations.