What type of gloves should food handlers use?

Food handlers should use food-grade disposable gloves primarily because they are specifically designed for food safety and hygiene. These gloves are made from materials that are safe for direct contact with food, helping to minimize the risk of contamination. Disposable gloves are intended for one-time use, reducing the likelihood of transferring pathogens from one food item to another, or from hands to food, which is crucial in a food service environment.

Using food-grade disposable gloves also aligns with health regulations and industry best practices. They are designed to be lightweight and can be put on and removed easily, allowing food handlers to switch gloves frequently when necessary—such as after handling raw foods or switching tasks—thereby maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.

Other types of gloves, such as reusable cloth gloves or latex gloves, may not meet food safety standards, as cloth gloves can harbor bacteria and particles that are difficult to clean, while latex gloves can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Additionally, the option of using any available gloves fails to ensure compliance with health regulations and could lead to safety hazards in a food handling environment.