Final answer:
Handwashing stations are required in both restrooms and food prep areas to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of illnesses as recommended by the CDC.
Step-by-step explanation:
Handwashing stations are a critical component for maintaining hygiene and public health in various settings. The correct answer is c. Both restrooms and food prep areas. In restrooms, they enable individuals to wash their hands after using the toilet, which is one of the key situations identified by the CDC where handwashing is recommended. In food prep areas, handwashing is essential before, during, and after food handling to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and other infections. The CDC outlines five steps for proper handwashing, including wetting hands with clean water, applying soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsing well, and drying with a clean towel or air drying.
Frequent hand washing is especially important for defending against pathogens that are transmitted through direct skin contact or fecal-oral routes, as well as respiratory illnesses such as the flu, coronavirus disease, and the common cold. Hence, proper handwashing techniques are not limited to restrooms but are also mandatory in areas where food is prepared to ensure the safety of the food and the wellbeing of both the staff and customers.