What is the primary item that must be located at handwashing sinks?

The primary item that must be located at handwashing sinks is soap. Handwashing is a critical practice in food safety and hygiene, and having soap readily available is essential for effective hand cleansing. Soap helps to remove dirt, grease, and pathogens from the hands, significantly reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. It facilitates the mechanical action of scrubbing, which is necessary to eliminate contaminants.

While towels, handwashing signs, and waste containers are also important for maintaining proper hand hygiene, they support the handwashing process rather than serving as the primary requirement. Towels are used for drying hands after washing, signs remind staff to wash their hands, and waste containers are necessary for disposing of used towels. However, without soap, handwashing is ineffective, as the primary goal is to ensure that hands are clean. Thus, having soap at handwashing sinks is critical for promoting good hygiene and preventing foodborne contamination.