Short Answer
Food handlers must wear single-use gloves if they have open wounds to prevent contamination. Additionally, gloves should be used in other situations, such as handling ready-to-eat foods and allergens, while maintaining proper hand hygiene by washing hands before and after food handling.
Step 1: Identify the Need for Gloves
Food handlers need to assess their hands for any open wounds or cuts. If such an injury is present, it is crucial to put on single-use gloves before handling food. This practice helps in creating a protective barrier that minimizes the risk of pathogens from the wound contaminating the food being prepared.
Step 2: Understand Additional Situations for Gloves
Besides open wounds, there are other scenarios where wearing gloves is advised. Situations include:
- Preparing food that will be served without cooking
- Handling ready-to-eat foods where direct contact with skin could introduce pathogens
- When certain allergens are involved
Awareness of these circumstances ensures safe food handling practices.
Step 3: Prioritize Hand Hygiene
Regardless of glove use, proper handwashing remains essential. Food handlers should wash their hands thoroughly before and after handling food, even when wearing gloves. This step acknowledges that gloves can have tears or are not a substitute for good hygiene, helping to further reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.