When are food preparation gloves allowed to be reused?

Food preparation gloves are designed for single-use to prevent contamination during food handling. They are intended to create a barrier between hands and food, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Frequent changing of gloves is crucial, especially between handling different food items or after any activity that could cause contamination, such as touching surfaces, utensils, or personal items.

Using gloves multiple times, even if they appear clean or are washed, can lead to cross-contamination. This is particularly important in food service environments, where the safety and health of consumers depend on strict hygiene practices. By ensuring that gloves are changed frequently, food handlers maintain a higher standard of food safety and minimize the risk of pathogens being transferred to food products.