When should gloves be changed when handling food?

The practice of changing gloves after handling raw foods and before switching to ready-to-eat foods is crucial for preventing cross-contamination in food safety. Raw foods, especially meats and poultry, may harbor harmful pathogens that can easily transfer to ready-to-eat items if proper hand hygiene and glove use are not observed. By changing gloves in these situations, food handlers ensure that they are not introducing bacteria from raw products to food that will not be cooked before consumption.

Additionally, changing gloves if they become torn is essential because tears can compromise the barrier that gloves provide, exposing the food to potential contaminants from the handler’s skin or environment. This practice is grounded in food safety protocols aimed at minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Thus, the guidelines surrounding glove use emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness and preventing contamination throughout food preparation and service.