When should food service workers wear gloves?

Wearing gloves is crucial for maintaining food safety, particularly when handling ready-to-eat foods. These foods do not require any further cooking or processing that would eliminate harmful pathogens, making it essential to prevent any direct contact with bare hands to minimize the risk of contamination. Using gloves serves as a barrier that helps protect food from bacteria and viruses that can be transferred from hands, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

While gloves may also be warranted in other scenarios, such as when a food service worker has a cut on their hands, the primary guideline emphasizes their use specifically when preparing or serving ready-to-eat items. This practice is a fundamental aspect of safe food handling protocols within the food service industry.