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

Some people do not think it necessary to wash their hands before eating meals once they apply wash-free hand sanitizer. In 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.