Wear gloves to manipulate food is a subject that generates a lot of controversy, especially when it is believed that only the use of gloves will protect food from possible contamination, through the contact of the hands with food, without a rigid hygienic care.
Different from what many people think, the use of disposable gloves is not recommended in all food handling processes. When not properly used, gloves can become a potential source of contamination for food.
The use of this protection instrument is only mandatory in certain cases, such as when the food is ready for consumption and the handler is playing directly with his hands (such as assembling salads, sandwiches, cutting breads, arranging french fries on the customer's plate, etc.).
If the food is still going through some process of cooking, frying or roasting, or, in the case of vegetables, vegetables and fruits, it will still be sanitized, only then can the use of gloves be dispensed with.
What kind of gloves to wear?
- Disposable vinyl, plastic or latex glove: used in food handling;
- Thermal glove: recommended to prevent burns when touching hot surfaces;
- Steel mesh sleeve: recommended to avoid cuts in meat handling. They must be properly sanitized, and if possible, coated with disposable gloves.
- Rubber glove is recommended for waste management activities, cleaning of utensils and surfaces, cleaning toilets and handling chemicals.
The use of these gloves may occur provided that the perfect hygiene conditions are observed and cleaning of them and hands.
But if your establishment prefers the use of gloves in all processes, some care should be followed in order to to avoid contamination.
They are:
- Wash your hands before putting on the gloves and after removing them;
- Gloves should be replaced whenever a previously interrupted function is returned, or in case of a change of task;
- Disposable rubber, latex or plastic gloves should not be used near a heat source when torn and/or when grinding, grinding, mixing or other types of equipment that cause risk of accidents.
Stay tuned for use gloves, choose reliable products, and avoid contamination of the gloves. food in your establishment.