Q. Is it a legal requirement to use antibacterial soap or antiseptic wipes?

No. Antibacterial soap is not a legal requirement. However, anyone handling food must make sure their hands are kept clean and they do not contaminate the food. Food handlers must make sure they properly wash their hands as frequently as necessary. If hand washing is properly carried out, normal soap should be sufficient. However, antibacterial soap may also be used.

Antiseptic wipes may be used in addition to, but not instead of, proper hand washing. Alcohol hand disinfectants are only effective when used on hands that have been properly cleaned as hand disinfectants are made useless by dirt.

See Hand Washing and Food Safety for more information.