What type of glove should be used when handling ready-to-eat foods?

When handling ready-to-eat foods, single-use food-safe gloves are the most appropriate choice. These gloves are specifically designed for food handling, offering a barrier between the food and contaminants that could be transferred from hands. They are made from safe materials that do not leach harmful substances into food.

Single-use gloves are essential in preventing cross-contamination, which can occur when raw foods come into contact with foods that are ready to eat. This is particularly important in food safety practices, as it helps to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

While other types of gloves, such as reusable rubber gloves, might be useful for general cleaning or food preparation tasks, they are not ideal for ready-to-eat foods because they can harbor bacteria if not sanitized properly between uses. Household gloves also do not meet food safety standards and can potentially introduce harmful chemicals or residues into the food. Latex gloves, while they can be safe for food handling, are not recommended for everyone due to potential allergenic reactions and thus are not the best choice for universal use across all food handlers.

Using single-use food-safe gloves ensures greater safety and hygiene when preparing and serving ready-to-eat foods.