Well, this just won't do.
A few years back, we discovered that only 38% of Irish men are taking the time to wash their hands after they use the restroom - a problem which is facilitating the spread of germs and viruses.
Women performed slightly better on this test, with 60% of them washing their hands - which is better, but still not exactly a great turnout.
However, it turns out the problem is MUCH worse than that.
CNN reported the results of a government study issued by the American Department of Agriculture, and the number of people who clean their hands properly is in the toilet. (#wordplay)
An acceptable standard that was set by the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention states that folks should be washing their hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, and a whopping 97% of those polled couldn't even last that long.
363 people were tested in kitchen test facilities in North and South Carolina (remind us never to eat there), and just about all of them failed the minimum cleanliness levels, with numerous members not even bothering to dry there hands after not washing them properly, allowing them to air-dry around the food.
Grim.
Carmen Rottenberg, acting deputy undersecretary for food safety at the USDA, said: "You can’t see, smell or feel bacteria. By simply washing your hands properly, you can protect your family and prevent that bacteria from contaminating your food and key areas in your kitchen."
Here is the
CDC's five-step guide to giving your glove-fillers a proper wash:
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
