Wearing single-use disposable gloves safely

Safe use of single-use disposable gloves

Single-use disposable gloves are frequently used during food handling activities, especially when handling ready-to-eat foods (foods that require no additional preparation or cooking before eating). This can include cutting raw produce, decorating baked goods, assembling sandwiches or salads, and plating or packaging foods.

Proper handwashing can remove up to 92% of illness causing pathogens from hands. Wearing single-use disposable gloves provides an additional layer of protection between your hands and the food. However, if used incorrectly, single-use disposable gloves can be a source of cross-contamination (the spread of illness causing microorganisms from one source to a food) and cross-contact (the transfer of an allergen from one food to an allergy-free food).

When using single-use disposable gloves, always select gloves that are rated safe for food handling, made for food contact surfaces or are food-grade. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established requirements that glove manufacturers must follow to ensure single-use disposable gloves are free of contaminants and safe for food handling activities.  

Types of single-use disposable gloves

There are three types of single-use disposable gloves appropriate for food handling. These are poly, vinyl and nitrile. For any type of single-use disposable glove, select powder-free and latex-free options. Powdered gloves can irritate some people’s hands, and the powder can be a physical hazard if it contaminates food. Some people are allergic to latex. The latex allergen can transfer to foods during handling and pose a risk to those eating the food. 

Poly single-use disposable gloves

• Lightweight and loose fit.
• Ideal for basic food handling tasks (e.g., hand mixing ingredients, assembling sandwiches or salads, packaging ready-to-eat foods).
• Low cost. 
• Can rip easily. 

Vinyl single-use disposable gloves

• Tighter fit. 
• Material is translucent and flexible. Available in different color options. Wearing colored gloves can make it easier for you to see any rips or torn pieces that could contaminate food. 
• Ideal for the majority of food-handling tasks. 
• Allow for better dexterity than poly gloves which makes them good for decorating baked goods. 
• Middle of the road cost. 

Nitrile single-use disposable gloves 

• Snug fit.
• Material is opaque and thicker than vinyl gloves. Available in different color options. Wearing colored gloves can make it easier for you to see any rips or torn pieces that could contaminate food. 
• Ideal for all food handling tasks (e.g., do not break down when handling animal fats, oils or acidic foods).
• Chemical resistant. 
• Most expensive option.

Wearing single-use disposable gloves

Single-use disposable gloves are not a replacement for proper handwashing. The purpose of wearing single-use disposable gloves is to further reduce the risk of contamination when handling ready-to-eat (prepared) foods. Proper handwashing can remove up to 92% of pathogens from your hands. Correctly wearing single-use disposable gloves protects foods against any pathogens that may be remaining on your hands. 

Putting on single-use disposable gloves

To properly put on gloves and avoid cross-contamination:

1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Select a glove from the box by grabbing it near the wrist opening.
3. Put on the glove without touching the food handling surface.
4. Inspect the glove for any rips or tears. 
5. Select a second glove from the box by grabbing it near the wrist opening.
6. Put on the second glove without touching the food handling surface. 
7. Inspect the glove for any rips or tears.

Removing single-use disposable gloves

To properly remove gloves and avoid cross-contamination:

1. Grab one glove by the wrist and pull it down towards your fingers. 
2. Place that glove in the palm of your other hand.
3. Remove the second glove by grabbing the wrist and pulling it down towards your fingers.
4. Discard the used gloves.
5. Wash and dry your hands. 

Do’s and don’ts of single-use disposable gloves

Remember that wearing single-use disposable gloves is not a substitute for proper handwashing. Single-use disposable gloves can become contaminated during food handling and other tasks. To minimize the risk of cross-contamination and cross-contact, follow these do’s and don’ts of proper glove use.

Do:

• Select the type and size of glove appropriate for the task.
• Wear single-use disposable gloves when handling ready-to-eat (prepared) foods.
• Wash your hands and change gloves between tasks. 
• If performing the same task for an extended period of time, change the gloves at least every 2-4 hours of continuous use or more frequently if they become torn or very soiled. 
• Wash your hands and change your gloves after touching drawer handles, faucets, refrigerator or freezer doors, or other food contact surfaces. 
• Wash your hands and change your gloves after handling money and credit cards.
• If wearing gloves for sanitation activities, wash your hands and change your gloves after use.

In general, follow the same standards for handwashing frequency when wearing single-use disposable gloves.

Don’t:

• Do not blow into or roll gloves when putting them on because these actions can contaminate the gloves. 
• Do not wash and reuse single-use disposable gloves.
• Do not continue to wear gloves that have a hole, rip or tear. Pieces of gloves can physically contaminate food. Also, sweat can build up on your hands when wearing gloves. The sweat and any pathogens, like Staphylococcus aureus, that may be present on your hands can leak from the torn glove and contaminate the food.