The Right Gloves for Food Processing

Disposable gloves are a key tool in the food processing industry. The use of disposable gloves protects the consumers who eat the foods being handled. Learn why having the right glove for food processing is important to both the workers and consumers.

Those working in food processing come in contact with a variety of substances which can carry different bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses such as salmonella. Bacteria can also be transferred from humans to food as a result of poor hygiene in the case of E. coli. Disposable gloves serve as a protective barrier between workers’ hands and the food product to lessen the overall chance of transmitting bacteria to consumers.

Listeria, for example, can be found in soil and water and is present in undercooked meats and vegetables. Food processing plant employees who do not wear disposable gloves can contaminate their hands upon coming in contact with listeria-infected food products. This can lead to cross-contamination of all other foods that are contacted, resulting in a widespread transmission of listeria throughout the facility. Stopping the spread of unwanted contaminants is simple with the proper disposable gloves.

Additionally, it can be challenging for employers to monitor the frequency of employee hand washing. However, implementing the use of disposable gloves to help prevent contamination and employee illness transmission is an attainable action. Not only does donning gloves aid in preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses, but it is also mandated by certain government regulations.

Workers who handle food often wear vinyl gloves, which are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These are among the least-expensive types of gloves and fit more loosely than nitrile or latex disposable gloves. One key component of vinyl gloves is that they are not as durable as other disposable glove materials. While this characteristic may be a detriment for gloves used in other industries, where heavy-duty puncture and tear resistance is needed, the short-term durability is ideal for food industry standards. This is particularly true in applications that require frequent glove changes.  Blue vinyl gloves especially are a great option, as it is easy to spot if a piece of the material has become lost in the food.

Don’t forget the importance of disposable gloves in even the smallest of tasks. If an employee is handling raw meat one moment and vegetables another, switching to new pair of disposable gloves is crucial to avoid cross contamination. Cost-effective lightweight vinyl gloves are the perfect solution to providing protection in the food industry. Ensure you are equipped today and shop the full line of Zoomget’s food-safe disposable gloves.