Can wash-free hand sanitizer really replace hand washing before meals?

Rumor: It is no longer necessary to wash hands before meals if wash-free hand sanitizer is used.

Fact:

There can be large amount of residual material left on hands after application (the alcohol-based type leaves a smaller residue, which is still inedible). Touching food directly may damage people's health. The sanitizer is used when water and soap are not available, and is only applied to dry hands.

Washing with running water and soap is considered the best way to achieve hand hygiene.