When should single-use gloves be changed?

Changing single-use gloves when switching tasks is essential for food safety and hygiene. Different tasks can involve varying types of contaminants, and using the same gloves for multiple activities can lead to cross-contamination. For instance, if a food worker handles raw meat and then switches to preparing ready-to-eat foods without changing their gloves, they risk transferring harmful pathogens from the raw meat to the ready-to-eat items.

Single-use gloves are designed to provide a barrier for specific tasks, helping to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses when used correctly. Therefore, changing gloves between different food preparation tasks is critical to maintaining safety standards and ensuring that food is served safely to consumers. This practice aligns with recommended guidelines in food safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and cross-contamination prevention in food handling.