CNN with PathSpot’s CEO & Co-Founder Christine Schindler, took a behind-the-counter look at how hand-scanning technology functions and underscored its importance for food safety. Chain restaurants nationwide and worldwide have discovered the benefits of utilizing the HandScanner technology, developed by PathSpot, which employs a light beam to scan employees’ hands before food preparation for customers. Click here to learn more about CNN’s BOH look: CNN 2024 PathSpot HandScanner BOH
This blog will highlight the importance of hand-scanning technology. Adopting this type of tool and technology creates a safer workplace. A few things to understand are how hand hygiene is the first defense against food contamination, the role of the HACCP Certification, the importance of preventing foodborne illness, and ultimately, commitment to customer safety. The PathSpot HandScaner is currently used in 10,000 food service establishments worldwide.
Why Is Hand Hygiene The First Defence Against Food Contamination and Keeping Food Safe?
Not Having clean hands can lead to cross-contamination. After all, dirty hands at a restaurant can shut it down temporarily or permanently. We have all seen the signs: All Employees Must Wash Hands—but have they been washed thoroughly?
Especially these days, there is awareness in our world, and our objective and responsibility is to ensure hands are cleaned properly for food safety.
CNN took a closer look at food safety technology and how this reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses like E. coli, norovirus, and salmonella. PathSpots HandScanner technology gives management of chain restaurants the tools to coach their teams to do better and be safe.
The HandScanner, developed by PathSpot, tracks each time employees wash their hands to see in real-time and hit the required handwashing to know if they are successful. The PathSpot HandScanner can detect gut biome contamination each time they wash in just 2 seconds.
The management team can monitor this data in real time, ensuring compliance with handwashing protocols. This proactive approach allows management to identify trends and address any issues promptly. While some may view this as micromanaging, studies by the CDC show that emphasizing the importance of handwashing leads to better compliance among restaurant staff. Implementing such technology creates a safer workplace and a more secure supply chain.
The risk of transferring harmful pathogens is considerable in the food service, where numerous raw ingredients, surfaces, and utensils are frequently handled. Food handlers might unknowingly carry bacteria and other contaminants on their hands, which could result in foodborne illnesses among customers. Through regular and thorough handwashing and utilizing the PathSpot HandScanner, food workers can halt the spread of germs and bacteria, thus protecting the health and reputation of both their customers and their establishment, as demonstrated by CNN in this video CNN 2024 PathSpot HandScanner BOH and see how restaurants utilize the PathSpot HandScanner at their franchises.
The Critical Role of Hand Hygiene in the Food Service Industry
In the fast-paced and demanding food service industry, ensuring proper hand hygiene is not merely advised—it’s an absolute necessity. It’s widely recognized that hand hygiene is the primary defense against reducing the risk of cross-contamination from workers’ hands to food. Annually, these illnesses result in 600 million cases and 420,000 deaths globally. In the ongoing effort to combat foodborne diseases, handwashing is not just a recommended practice—it’s a critical regulatory requirement. However, relying solely on this measure is insufficient. This blog explores the necessity of proper hand hygiene and hygiene and how utilizing PathSpot’s digital HandScanner enhances the assurance of clean hands and food safety.
Food Safety and HACCP Certification
Maintaining food safety is critical anywhere food is handled. To uphold top hygiene standards and prevent foodborne illnesses, staff and all food handlers must practice proper handwashing and utilize tools like the PathSpot HandScanner. Adopting Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification is vital to ensuring food safety.
HACCP certification ensures that food service establishments follow a systematic approach to food safety by identifying, evaluating, and controlling potential hazards throughout food production and handling. This globally recognized certification assists food establishments in maintaining the highest safety and quality standards. Regarding handwashing practices, HACCP certification provides guidelines to ensure food handlers maintain optimal hygiene. Proper hand hygiene and the PathSpot HandScanner helps ensure food safety and your HACCP certification.
Preventing Foodborne Illnesses cannot be Overstressed
The significance of handwashing and the HandScanner in preventing foodborne illnesses cannot be emphasized enough. Pathogens like bacteria and gut biomes can quickly transfer from unwashed hands to food, leading to a spectrum of illnesses from mild discomfort to severe health issues. Therefore, understanding and adhering to hand hygiene regulations and using the hand hygiene system, as highlighted by CNN, is not merely about following rules—it’s a crucial step in protecting public health.
Food Safety Commitment to Customers
Businesses that firmly commit to hand hygiene and food safety meet legal HACCP requirements and foster consumer confidence. This can lead to increased customer loyalty, an improved brand reputation, and potential business growth. On the other hand, failure to comply can result in public health risks, legal consequences, and significant damage to a company’s reputation and financial standing. Adhering to high hand hygiene standards requires ongoing enhancements and adaptation of new technology, like PathSpot’s HandScanner.
PathSpot’s HandScanner: Leading the way as the First Defense for Your Food Safety
PathSpot’s HandScanner hand sanitizing system scans hands and detects harmful contaminants that spread common illnesses in just two seconds. Simply wash, dry and scan hands. By collecting data on the frequency and effectiveness of your team’s handwashing, you can ensure your team’s and customers’ health and safety. Partner with PathSpot and you can lead the way in BOH food safety for your restaurant. Book your demo today with Pathspot! PathSpot Demo