Question:
If one eats a cracker dipped in hummus or cream cheese that contains olive oil, must he wash Netilas Yadayim beforehand?
Answer:
Yes. If the olive oil is present in a recognizable manner and serves as a meaningful component of the dip, one should wash Netilas Yadayim without a blessing before eating it.
The reason is that olive oil is one of the seven halachically significant liquids (shivah mashkin), and foods dipped in such liquids require washing of the hands. This obligation is not limited to fruits or vegetables; rather, it applies to all foods that are dipped in one of the seven liquids. Accordingly, a cracker dipped in hummus or cream cheese that contains olive oil is included in this requirement.
If, however, the olive oil is merely a minor ingredient blended into the dip and is no longer independently noticeable, a then it does not apply.
Sources:
Admur 158:3-5; Seder Netilas Yadayim Halacha 20; Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 158:4; Mishnah Berurah 158:20