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Hi Cath
Food safety recommendations preclude use of non-food safe chemicals in the food processing environment, which precludes use of most alcohol based hand hygiene products and some antiseptic products. I do believe there are some waterless hand hygiene products (not sure if some of these should be considered ‘alcohol’ based, though) that are approved as ‘food safe’, but most of those alcohol based hand hygiene products routinely in use in healthcare have not been approved as ‘food safe’. Thus, the use of alcohol based hand hygiene products within certain parts of food services with healthcare facilities is problematic, which is why I think this is a good question, and I believe the responses have indicated this.
In regard to mentioning of brand names, yes, we generally try to recommend avoiding use of brand names in discussions where possible, but this creates some work for both myself as the moderator and the list subscribers who are replying. Rather than bog the list down in administrative emails and such, I have preferred to weigh up the issue of posting of actual product names with the benefits of open discussion. For example, in this instance, my belief was it was useful to see which actual products are being used in what aspects of food service delivery (eg ward delivery vs food production), as this was conducive to the conversation. This approach had been supported by previous ACIPC / AICA executives, although like all things, this is open to review with further comments from the membership.
It is always useful to examine what we are discussing, how we are discussing it, and what benefit and risk these discussions may have, so I thank you for your comments. More discussion is always welcomed!
Cheers
Michael Wishart
Infexion Connexion Administrator
Michael Wishart
CNC Infection Control
Holy Spirit Northside Private Hospital
627 Rode Road, Chermside, Qld 4032
t: (07) 3326 3068 | f: (07) 3607 2226
e: Michael.Wishart@hsn.org.au
w:www.holyspiritnorthside.org.au
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Hi Marlize
I’m curious about the question and the responses. As I understand it there have been no scientific reports or official Australian public policy directives that suggest differentiating between what is available in public areas, in the wards where staff perform hand hygiene before feeding patients and/or in kitchens or food prep areas. I checked the WHO Guidelines from 2009 and they also appear to be silent on the issue.
Given that one of the basic tenets to improve hand hygiene compliance is standardisation I would think it wise if you introduced or continued to use a neutral liquid soap identical to that used in the settings mentioned above. The key points are making sure kitchen staff understand the importance of HH as part of food hygiene, that they perform it when needed (including when on the ward if potentially exposed) and that their technique and wearing of gloves is performed in such a way that the skin on their hands is maintained. It would be an education rather than a product issue I think.
As always I am surprised to see brand names mentioned here in the forum given its policies and conditions around promotion etc it would be more ethical to stick to using generic terms but perhaps the moderator can advise. Also my experience would indicate that if you raised the issue of HH for kitchen staff your current supplier of HH product would no doubt be able to provide you with data and information regarding suitability of their product in that setting.
Good luck and thanks for making me curious 😉
Cath
Cathryn Murphy PhD
Executive Director
Infection Control Plus Pty Ltd
http://www.infectioncontrolplus.com.au
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Dear All,
We are currently looking for a alcohol based hand sanitiser to use in our Food Service Department. I was wondering what the practices are out there, and what product you are using in your Food Service Departments and on your food delivering trolleys?
Thank you and regards
Marlize Senekal
Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator
St. Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital
457 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill
Brisbane
Ph. 07-3834 4444
Ext. 4328, Pg. 0328
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