When Must a Food Handler Change Gloves: And Why Do Gloves Sometimes Feel Like They Have a Mind of Their Own?

Food safety is a critical aspect of any food service operation, and one of the most fundamental practices to ensure this is the proper use of gloves. Gloves act as a barrier between the food handler’s hands and the food, preventing contamination. However, knowing when to change gloves is just as important as wearing them. This article delves into the various scenarios that necessitate a glove change, explores the reasoning behind these guidelines, and even touches on the peculiar sensation that gloves sometimes seem to have a will of their own.

1. After Handling Raw Meat, Poultry, or Seafood

One of the most critical times to change gloves is after handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood. These raw products can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. If a food handler touches these items and then handles ready-to-eat foods without changing gloves, they risk cross-contamination. This could lead to foodborne illnesses, which can have severe consequences for consumers and the establishment’s reputation.

2. When Switching Between Different Food Types

Even if the foods are not raw, switching between different types of food—such as from handling vegetables to handling dairy products—requires a glove change. This practice prevents the transfer of allergens or flavors from one food item to another. For instance, a glove used to handle nuts could transfer allergens to a dish meant for someone with a nut allergy, potentially causing a severe allergic reaction.

3. After Touching Non-Food Items

Food handlers often need to touch non-food items such as cleaning supplies, trash bins, or even their own face or hair. Any time a glove comes into contact with a non-food item, it should be changed immediately. This is because these items can carry bacteria or other contaminants that could be transferred to the food.

4. After a Glove Tear or Break

Gloves are not indestructible. They can tear or break during use, especially if the food handler is working with sharp objects or handling heavy items. When a glove is compromised, it no longer provides an effective barrier against contamination. Therefore, any time a glove is torn or broken, it should be replaced immediately.

5. After Using the Restroom

Even though gloves are worn, food handlers must still wash their hands after using the restroom. After washing, they should put on a fresh pair of gloves. This ensures that any bacteria that may have been on their hands is not transferred to the food, even if they were wearing gloves at the time.

6. After Sneezing, Coughing, or Touching the Face

If a food handler sneezes, coughs, or touches their face while wearing gloves, they should change them immediately. These actions can transfer bacteria or viruses from the handler’s face to the gloves, which could then be transferred to the food. This is especially important in preventing the spread of illnesses like the common cold or flu.

7. When Gloves Become Soiled or Wet

Gloves that become soiled or wet should be changed promptly. Soiled gloves can harbor bacteria, and wet gloves can create an environment where bacteria can thrive. Additionally, wet gloves can be uncomfortable and may reduce the dexterity of the food handler, increasing the risk of accidents.

8. After Completing a Task

Once a food handler has completed a specific task, such as preparing a batch of food or cleaning a surface, they should change their gloves before starting a new task. This practice helps to prevent cross-contamination between different tasks and ensures that each task is completed with a fresh, clean pair of gloves.

9. When Gloves Feel Like They Have a Mind of Their Own

Sometimes, gloves can feel like they have a mind of their own—slipping off, sticking together, or just not fitting right. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, it can actually be a sign that the gloves are not the right size or type for the task at hand. In such cases, it’s important to change to a better-fitting pair of gloves to ensure proper protection and comfort.

10. After a Break or Leaving the Work Area

If a food handler takes a break or leaves the work area for any reason, they should change their gloves upon returning. This is because the gloves may have come into contact with contaminants while the handler was away, or they may have been exposed to the environment outside the food preparation area.

Conclusion

Changing gloves at the appropriate times is a crucial part of maintaining food safety. It helps prevent cross-contamination, protects consumers from foodborne illnesses, and ensures that the food service operation runs smoothly. By understanding when and why to change gloves, food handlers can play a vital role in keeping the food supply safe and healthy.

Q: How often should gloves be changed during a shift? A: Gloves should be changed as often as necessary, depending on the tasks being performed. There is no set frequency, but they should be changed whenever they become soiled, torn, or after handling different types of food or non-food items.

Q: Can gloves be reused after washing? A: No, gloves are designed for single use and should not be reused after washing. Reusing gloves can lead to contamination and defeat the purpose of wearing them in the first place.

Q: What type of gloves are best for food handling? A: Nitrile gloves are often recommended for food handling because they are durable, resistant to punctures, and do not contain latex, which can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Q: Is it necessary to wear gloves when handling ready-to-eat foods? A: Yes, gloves should be worn when handling ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination from the food handler’s hands. This is especially important for foods that will not be cooked further before consumption.

Q: What should a food handler do if they run out of gloves? A: If a food handler runs out of gloves, they should immediately inform their supervisor and refrain from handling food until they have a fresh supply. In the meantime, they can focus on other tasks that do not involve direct food contact.