When must food workers wear gloves?

Food workers must wear gloves primarily when handling ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination and ensure food safety. Ready-to-eat foods are items that can be consumed without further cooking or preparation, such as salads, deli meats, and baked goods. By wearing gloves, food workers reduce the risk of transferring pathogens and contaminants from their hands to the food, thereby protecting customers' health.

Using gloves is a critical practice as it adheres to food safety guidelines intended to protect public health. The proper use of gloves also helps maintain the quality of the food and assures customers that the food is being handled safely and hygienically. While gloves may also be appropriate when handling raw meat or serving food to customers, the highest emphasis is placed on situations involving ready-to-eat foods, as these are the most vulnerable to contamination that could lead to foodborne illnesses.