What is the purpose of wearing gloves while handling food?

Wearing gloves while handling food is essential for protecting food from contamination by hands. Hands can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can easily be transferred to food during preparation. When food handlers wear gloves, they create a barrier that significantly reduces the risk of this contamination. This is especially important when dealing with ready-to-eat foods, where direct hand contact can lead to foodborne illnesses.

While gloves serve the practical purpose of preventing direct contact with food, they must also be changed frequently to avoid cross-contamination. It's important to note that gloves do not replace the need for proper handwashing and hygiene practices, which are essential in food safety.