Single-use Gloves Lower Food Handling Risks

Proper use of quality, single-use gloves significantly lowers the risk of food borne illness and disease transmission. Gloves deliver an added level of protection and provide a visual cue to customers that the establishment cares about their well being.

When to use Globes .... the great debate:

When to Glove: The debate on "when to glove" continues to create confusion at operations level. Here are some SAVE FOOD facts to consider.

Except when washing fruits and vegetables, food employees should not contact exposed ready to eat food with their bare hands and should use suitable utensils such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single use gloves, or dispensing equipment".

Food workers wearing artificial nails, fingernail polish, or who have a bandage, infection, cut or sore on the hand should definitely wear disposable gloves when handling food.

Disposable food contact gloves are not designed for use in handling extremely hot foods, utensils, nor cooking equipment. Extended exposure of any disposable glove to heat or flame may cause deterioration of the product.

Handwashingforlife Recommends:

When wearing gloves it is critical to insure that employees properly wash their hands both before doning gloves and immediately on removal of gloves. Pathogens thrive in the warm, moist atmosphere created on a gloved hand.

Wearing gloves without taking proper hand hygiene can be more dangerous than wearing gloves.

The glove selection process checklist:

• Select supplier with food safety experience and a commitment to the food industry

  • Look for SABS certification.

• Document procedure for food workers (when to use, when to remove, how and where to use). See advice above and Visit: Learning Centre, Gloving

• Choose glove style & material to fit task

  • Form fit: for high dexterity (vinyl, latex, synthetic)

  • Loose fit: for frequent changes (poly)

• Choose proper sizes for your staff. Get the Glove Fitment Guide.
• Test gloves for ease of use (easy open, powder interior?).
• Develop a disposal plan for used gloves.

Leadership Companies:

If you have a leadership product or service in this category, please contact us for details on gaining Handwashing For Life Institute endorsement: Larry Jackson