NSF Ratings for Hand Hygiene Products
When selecting hand washing and hand sanitizing products, you may notice that the product is often labeled with an E 1-4 rating. What do these ratings mean and how important are they in choosing the appropriate hygiene solution for your environment?
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) develops public health standards and certification programs to help protect the world’s food, water, consumer products and the environment. NSF ‘E’ category codes classify hand hygiene solutions, and the approved procedures for their effective use in an environment. These ratings are especially important to understand and enforce in the food processing industry, as the use of an incorrect product or an unapproved process can lead to unsanitary work conditions and food contamination. See below for the four hand care product ratings, and their processes.
E1 Rated – Handwashing Products
- Approved for use throughout the plant.
- After use, hands must be thoroughly rinsed with potable water.
E2 Rated – One-Step Handwashing and Sanitizing Products
- Approved for use throughout the plant.
- Approved for hand/food contact after handwashing.
- After use, hands must be thoroughly rinsed with potable water.
Recommended product: WorkHorse® E2 Foaming Antimicrobial Handsoap
Shop our selection of Hand Soaps.
E3 Rated – Hand Sanitizing Products
- Approved for use throughout the plant.
- Approved for hand/food contact after handwashing.
- Hands must be washed and thoroughly rinsed prior to using.
Recommended product: BAC Stop 3A No-Rinse Hand Sanitizer
Shop our selection of Hand Sanitizers.
E4 Rated – Hand Creams, Lotions and Cleansers (Non-Food Contact)
- Use in federally inspected meat and poultry plants is limited to:
- —Toilets
- —Dressing rooms
- —Non-processing areas
- Employees who process inspected meat, fish and poultry products should only use when leaving the plant.
Good manufacturing practices dictate that these products are to be located a sufficient distance from the processing line, and placed in satisfactory dispensers to preclude accidental food product contamination. For more information on NSF E-category ratings, selecting the right hand care products or recommended solution dispensers, we are here to help! Call us at 800-456-5624 or click the icon in the bottom right corner to speak with a product specialist today!
