Gloves Are Not a Substitute for Hand Washing

• Disposable gloves are used in the kitchen to help prevent the spread of dangerous bacteria. Bacteria can, however, contaminate the outside of the gloves as easily as they can contaminate bare hands, and the moist interior of gloves can be an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.
  
  According to the "Hand-Hygiene Study" done by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) hand washing rates decrease significantly when food workers wear gloves. Food workers should be reminded that gloves are no substitute for good hand washing practices.
  
  

Change Gloves Frequently

• Gloves should be changed when shifting food-service tasks, such as when moving from preparing meats to preparing vegetables, after touching any part of the body, after using the bathroom, and any time they are damaged. Hands should be washed every time gloves are changed.
  
  

Use the Right Kind of Gloves

• Inexpensive, loose-fitting poly gloves are appropriate for situations in which gloves must be changed frequently, such as when a worker must frequently switch from food preparation to operating a cash register. More durable, form-fitting gloves made from materials like latex and vinyl are better for working with heat. They are better for performing a single task for an extended period, such as preparing one type of food, because of their durability.
  
  

Be Aware of Latex Allergy

• Latex is a natural rubber, and some people can become sensitive or allergic to it. Latex allergy is considered an occupational illness because it becomes more common as the number of exposures to latex increases. Latex-free materials such as vinyl and nitrile can be substituted for sensitive people. Hypoallergenic latex gloves are available as well.