A handwashing sink must be used for which of the following?

A handwashing sink is specifically designed for the purpose of washing hands and maintaining proper hygiene in food handling environments. It is equipped to ensure that food handlers can effectively remove contaminants and pathogens from their hands before they engage in food preparation or service.

Using a handwashing sink solely for washing hands prevents cross-contamination that can arise from using it for other purposes, such as rinsing fruits and vegetables, thawing food, or cleaning utensils. Each of those tasks requires different types of sinks and procedures to ensure food safety. For instance, rinsing produce should occur in a designated sink area that is properly equipped to handle food items, while thawing food should typically be done in a manner that prevents bacteria growth, not in a handwashing sink.

Thus, the requirement for a handwashing sink is strictly to wash hands, emphasizing the importance of hygiene in preventing foodborne illnesses. This focus on maintaining distinct functions for different types of sinks is essential in food safety protocols.