Proper use of quality, single-use gloves significantly lowers the risk of foodborne illness. Gloves deliver an added level of protection and provide a visual cue to customers that the establishment cares about their well being.

FDA Recommends:

When to Glove: The debate on when to glove continues to create confusion at operations level. Here is the FDA position on gloving:

The 2001 FDA Food Code, section 3-301.11 states- "Except when washing fruits and vegetables, food employees may not contact exposed ready to eat food with their bare hands and shall use suitable utensils such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single use gloves, or dispensing equipment". Food workers wearing artificial nails, fingernail polish, or who have a bandage, infection, cut or sore on the hand must wear disposable gloves when handling food. Disposable food contact gloves are not designed for use in handling extremely hot foods, utensils, nor cooking equipment. Extended exposure of any disposable glove to heat or flame may cause deterioration of the product.

Handwashingforlife Recommends:

When wearing gloves it is critical to insure that employees properly wash their hands both before doning gloves and immediately on removal of gloves. Pathogens thrive in the warm, moist atmosphere created on a gloved hand.

The glove selection process checklist:

• Select supplier with food safety experience and a commitment to the food industry

  • Look for NSF certification logo.

• Document procedure for food workers (when to use, when to remove, how and where to use). See FDA code above and Visit: Learning Centre, Gloving

• Choose glove style & material to fit task

  • Form fit: for high dexterity (vinyl, latex, synthetic)

  • Loose fit: for frequent changes (poly)

• Choose proper sizes for your staff. Get the Glove Fitment Guide.
• Test gloves for ease of use (easy open, powder interior?).
• Develop a disposal plan for used gloves.

Leadership Companies:

FoodHandler®, a national leader in foodservice safety with over 30 years of experience, offers recommendations for the proper and most effective ways to use disposable gloves in food preparation. NSF certified products.

Gloving Pro Sheet (PDF):