Effective handwashing will remove the majority of harmful bacteria and viruses and keeps the transfer of bacteria and viruses to a minimum. All food establishments are encouraged to promote good handwashing practices and to enforce their implementation. Many retail food operations have good handwashing programs and know what it takes to keep bacterial and viral contamination to a minimum. If customers see an obvious lack of handwashing occurring at a food service establishment or observe an employee preparing food with soiled hands, they should ask to speak to a manager. It's best to inform the manager at the time of the incident, so he or she can determine what is wrong and take appropriate action.
Customers can also make a complaint to the local county health department.
Each health department licenses and inspects all retail food service establishments in its county or city jurisdiction.