We pretty much never make a point of washing specifically before eating, especially at home, unless there is actual dirt on their hands. I also work in healthcare, and I look at my perspective as the chance give my boys' immunity the workout it needs to be robust and functional.
There is good research around to say that kids who live on farms and in rural areas are less likely to have "weak" immune systems, as well as any of the allergic type illness (Asthma, eczema etc), than those in the city as rural folks are exposed to more dirt and bacteria that help "toughen" the immune systems. Rural folks are less likely to use any of the antibacterial soaps/detergents that are around also - not sure why.
In our house after toileting, hand washing is a MUST. I've even been know to do the sniff test to see if the boys actually put soap on their hands while washing
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When we are out in public places this is how it goes for us too
we usually go to the toilet before eating when we're out so she washes her hands then anyway (although it is because of going to the toilet, rather than eating that we wash iyswim..).
I insist on a "Check pee" so I don't have to try to figure out how to get one child to the bathroom while having the other not go and deal with 3 meals!