PathSpot, a New York tech startup, has revolutionized hand hygiene in the food industry with its innovative Handscanner device. Described as a handwashing lie detector, the Handscanner is already making waves in 10,000 food service outlets worldwide, including popular chains like Taco Bell, Arby’s, and Chopt restaurants.
The importance of hand hygiene in the food industry cannot be overstated, as poor handwashing practices by food workers are a leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks. According to the Environmental Health Services (EHS), nine out of ten outbreaks involving contaminated food can be traced back to inadequate hand hygiene.
Traditional methods of promoting hand hygiene in the workplace have included training, addressing barriers to handwashing, and revising food preparation steps. However, PathSpot’s Handscanner takes it a step further by providing real-time feedback on hand cleanliness.
Using light fluorescence spectroscopy, the Handscanner can detect any residual contaminants on the hands and wrists within seconds. If contamination is detected, employees are prompted to wash their hands again and rescan. This not only ensures proper hand hygiene but also creates valuable data for businesses to improve their hygiene protocols.
Christine Schindler, the CEO of PathSpot, highlights the device’s ability to detect harmful bacteria and viruses, such as norovirus, E. coli, and salmonella. She emphasizes the value of the system in identifying gaps in hygiene protocols and promoting better handwashing practices among employees.
While some may find the Handscanner’s approach intrusive, for food business owners, it could be a game-changer in maintaining high standards of hand hygiene and ensuring the safety of staff and customers. At $50 a month, the Handscanner offers a cost-effective solution to a critical issue in the food industry.