Long and painted nails are not just an aesthetic detail - they can pose a serious health hazard, especially when it comes to handling food.
The Institute of Public Health therefore warns that under the nails, especially when they are long and covered with nail polish, there are numerous bacteria and microorganisms that can easily be transferred to food.
"Nails are not a fashion detail, but a potential source of infection. First and foremost, these are diseases that are transmitted through dirty hands. That is why we appeal for this practice to be stopped, because what may look aesthetically beautiful, in laboratory findings shows a completely different picture - a large number of bacteria and potential pathogens," Magdalena Vujović, a hygiene specialist from the Institute of Public Health, told Boje jutra.
According to her, clean hands and neat nails are a basic prerequisite for safe food.
"Clean hands are inviolable when working with food. Retailers are not the only industry in which we notice this trend, but they are a serious source of food safety violations. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure," emphasized Vujović.
The doctor emphasizes that wearing gloves is not a substitute for personal hygiene:
"Relying on gloves is not the solution. Awareness and responsibility from each individual is needed. First at home, when preparing food for the family, and then at the workplace."
The Institute of Public Health has already held meetings with representatives of retail chains, and the plan is to expand the discussions to include health and educational institutions.
"Children, the elderly and the sick are the most sensitive categories that poor hygiene can endanger. That is why we will insist on including both the school and healthcare systems," says Vujović.
When it comes to basic prevention, the rules are simple. "Hands must be washed for at least 20 seconds under running, safe water, with liquid soap. Special attention is paid to washing the spaces between the fingers and under the nails, and the tap is always turned off with a napkin."
The institute recommends that posters with clear instructions for proper hand washing be placed above sinks in all food handling facilities.
"It's a small step, but a big contribution to protecting consumer health," concludes Vujović.
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