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For 27 years, Handwashing For Life has been dedicated to overcoming underwashing and helping operators avoid foodborne outbreaks.
Transforming myths into evidence-based interventions has revealed two key insights: brand protection is the primary reason for investing in handwashing, and although kitchen staff are well-trained, they often lack motivation to wash their hands frequently. Clear expectations for the required number of hand washes per shift and per employee hour are not included in their training.
Rutgers University’s Distinguished Professor, Donald W. Schaffner, Ph.D., has joined the Board of Directors of Handwashing For Life®. The commission places risk assessment at the forefront of our research, including QMRA (Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment). His expertise adds accountability to the food safety equation, supporting the idea that workers can be self-motivated to wash their hands when their performance data is regularly shared. Weekly feedback made the difference in this proof-of-concept research: https://handwashingforlife.org/research/research-projects/hands-on-leadership-challenge/
Handwashing For Life’s first study using the QMRA tool is nearing submission for publication. The preliminary finding is clear: increasing handwashing frequency to 1 Hand Wash per Employee Hour (1 HW/EH) could reduce the risk of a Norovirus outbreak by 70%. For more, see: https://handwashingforlife.org/journal/new-handwashing-for-life-risk-study-explores-norovirus-handwashing-frequency/.
Dr. Schaffner has consistently supported Risk-Based Handwashing. He asserts, “Risk drives handwashing policy. It is as simple as that. However, fear alone among owners does not lead to changes in handwashing behaviors.” (Excerpt from Dr. Schaffner’s remarks on QMRA.)
Appointing Dr. Schaffner reinforces Handwashing For Life’s dedication to measurable handwashing risk management.
Background and Expertise
Dr. Schaffner’s research covers quantitative microbial risk assessment, predictive food microbiology, handwashing, and cross-contamination. He has published more than 220 peer-reviewed articles. Don has also educated thousands of food industry professionals through short courses and workshops in the United States and in numerous countries worldwide.
Industry Leadership and Outreach
In addition to his academic and educational contributions, Dr. Schaffner co-hosts “Food Safety Talk,” a podcast dedicated to microbial food safety at http://foodsafetytalk.com. He also hosts a brief podcast on risk called “Risky or Not,” available at: https://www.riskyornot.co/
Handwashing For Life’s Commitment
In 2022, Handwashing For Life announced its total dedication to handwashing research. The organization transitioned to nonprofit status in the same year. This led to the completion of two new studies, both published and funded jointly by operators and suppliers. These initiatives have established Handwashing For Life® as the foodservice industry’s leading source for independent, evidence-based handwashing research. Join us in advancing the future of food safety by collaborating on or supporting our ongoing research efforts.
Jim Mann
Founder & Chairman
