What kind of protective gloves should be used in the food industry to provide peace of mind?

Food safety accidents have occurred frequently in recent years. With the development of the COVID-19 epidemic, people are paying more and more attention to food safety issues, paying special attention to food raw materials, production environment and operating procedures during food processing.

In addition, there is also increasing concern about the protection of workers when processing food. Many companies require employees to wear protective gloves, which not only provide adequate protection for workers, but also avoid food contamination and the spread of food-borne pathogens.

So, for food processing companies, how to choose a suitable food processing gloves is a question worth thinking about.

Why Wear Gloves When Handling Food

Food handlers come into contact with a variety of foods, and during the contact process their hands can carry bacteria, such as Listeria and Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illness after consumption. Disposable gloves can provide a protective barrier between workers' hands and these germs, reducing the chance of infection for workers and consumers.

FDA food contact regulations state that food handlers should wear disposable gloves to protect food handlers and customers.

Although the food service industry involves different companies and institutions, they all have one thing in common: being vigilant about possible pathogens and protecting employees and consumers from the dangers of illness. Disposable gloves have become the first line of defense against foodborne illnesses.

Types of disposable gloves

latex gloves

Latex gloves fit snugly and allow excellent sensitivity to the hands, which is why latex gloves are suitable for long-term wear. However, latex gloves contain natural latex, which may cause allergic reactions. Secondly, latex gloves are milky white or white, and it is difficult to distinguish when adulterated in food, so latex gloves are not the best choice for the food industry.

The main component of nitrile gloves is nitrile latex. In addition to the advantages of latex gloves, nitrile gloves also have good chemical protection properties, resistance to acids, alkalis, and grease. The most important thing is that nitrile gloves do not contain latex and will not cause allergies to users.

More and more people are using PVC gloves during food service and ingredient preparation, and their use is growing rapidly. It's latex-free, has a smooth surface, is easy to put on and takes off, and fits your hands. The gloves can also be used in other industries, including medical and cleaning.

How to wear gloves properly

Food and Drug Administration regulations on hand hygiene and glove use:

1. When staff handle non-ready-to-eat food, their hands and arms should be exposed as little as possible.

2. You must wear gloves or use utensils such as tongs and scrapers when handling food, except for washing fruits and vegetables.

3. Gloves should be used once. Disposable gloves must be discarded when workers handle new tasks, when gloves become soiled, or when tasks are interrupted.

How to choose gloves?

Now that we understand the types of disposable gloves, we also understand the specifications for the use of gloves in food processing, but what kind of gloves should be used in food processing?

When using gloves in food processing, you should pay attention to the following three points:

1. The food processing industry involves a variety of equipment and kitchen equipment, so many positions require multiple types of gloves. But no matter what type of gloves, they must comply with food-grade principles.

2. The main component of latex gloves is natural latex, which contains latex protein. To prevent proteins from entering food and causing allergic reactions in customers, the food industry should try to avoid using latex gloves.

3. The food industry usually uses colored gloves, and they must be distinguished from the color of the food. Prevent gloves from breaking and falling into food, which may not be discovered in time.

Therefore, the following two types of gloves are commonly used in food processing:

PVC gloves

PVC gloves are commonly used in the catering industry because of their low cost, loose size and easy to put on and take off. This is important in the food industry where workers need to change gloves frequently.

Nitrile gloves

In the food industry, nitrile gloves can provide excellent sensitivity to the hands and have better puncture resistance. At the same time, nitrile gloves are more durable. On the job, workers change gloves less frequently and it costs less to use nitrile gloves.