Utah Food Safety Practice Test

Which statement is true about single-use gloves?

1. They do not require hand washing before use.

2. They must be changed when switching tasks.

3. They can be reused multiple times.

4. They eliminate the need for personal hygiene practices.

The correct answer is: They must be changed when switching tasks.

Single-use gloves are designed to create a barrier between the hands and potentially hazardous materials, such as food or cleaning agents. Changing gloves when switching tasks is essential to prevent cross-contamination between different types of food or surfaces. For example, if a food handler switches from handling raw meat to preparing salad, failing to change gloves could transfer harmful pathogens from the raw meat to the fresh produce, putting customers at risk of foodborne illness. While it is true that single-use gloves should not require hand washing before use, as they are meant to be put on clean hands, this does not negate the importance of hand washing at other times, such as before donning the gloves. Similarly, reusing gloves is not permitted, as they are designed for one-time use to maintain hygiene. Furthermore, using gloves does not replace the necessity of proper personal hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing. Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial for food safety, regardless of glove use.