Food Safety App

Gloves can absolutely play a role in a well run, food safe kitchen. Here’s when they make the most sense:

1. Handling Raw Meat, Fish, or Poultry

One of the most common and legitimate uses for gloves is when handling raw ingredients, particularly raw meat, poultry, or fish. Wearing gloves during this process can help prevent bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter from contaminating other surfaces or foods.

But a glove is only helpful if it is removed immediately after use. Continuing to handle other food or kitchen equipment while still wearing the same gloves defeats the purpose entirely.

2. Working with Staining or Irritating Ingredients

Gloves are also useful when preparing foods that can stain hands or cause skin irritation. Ingredients like:

Beetroot
Chilli peppers
Turmeric
Citrus fruits (acidic juices)

can cause discomfort or hygiene concerns. A fresh pair of gloves can help protect both staff and ingredients in these cases.

3. Open Kitchens or Front of House Service Areas

Gloves can create a strong visual signal of hygiene for customers. In cafes, delis, buffets, or open plan kitchens, customers often expect food handlers to wear gloves, especially when handling ready to eat food.

But again, gloves only help if used correctly. More on that below.

Keep hygiene in check with our Digital System

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Why Gloves are not a substitute for hand washing

Here’s the problem: many people assume that gloves = cleanliness. But gloves can become just as contaminated as bare hands, and in some cases, they might be worse if staff aren’t trained properly.

According to the Food Standards Agency, hand washing is still the most effective way to prevent contamination and maintain food safety. Gloves don’t eliminate the need for this critical step.

When Gloves Go Wrong

Wearing gloves can give a false sense of security. If they’re not changed regularly, or if food handlers wear the same pair for multiple tasks, they can spread bacteria just as quickly as unwashed hands.

If you’re using gloves in your kitchen, they should be changed:

After handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood
After touching your face, hair, phone, or surfaces
Between different food types (especially allergens)
Every 30 minutes during continuous use

And remember: hands should be washed before putting gloves on and after taking them off.

The Risks of Improper Glove Use

Improper glove use can actually increase the risk of cross-contamination in your kitchen. Gloves can encourage complacency, especially when staff believe they’re protected from spreading bacteria. Common mistakes include:

Wearing the same gloves for multiple tasks (e.g. preparing raw chicken and then assembling a sandwich)
Touching their face, phone, or other surfaces with gloved hands
Not washing hands before putting gloves on
Wearing gloves for long periods without changing them

In a 2020 study by the FSA, food handlers often reported using gloves as a shortcut rather than a safety measure. When asked, many admitted they didn’t change gloves nearly as often as they would wash their hands, highlighting the false sense of security gloves can create.

What Does the Law Say About Gloves?

UK food safety legislation does not require the use of gloves in food handling. Instead, the focus is on:

Personal hygiene
Cross-contamination prevention
Hand washing facilities
Proper cleaning routines

The Food Standards Agency’s official guidance says:

“Gloves are not a substitute for effective handwashing. If gloves are used, they should be changed as often as you should wash hands and you must wash your hands when changing or removing gloves.”
(Source: Food Standards Agency)

So, in short—gloves are optional, and they’re not a guaranteed safety measure unless combined with proper hygiene training and oversight.

The Bottom Line? Hygiene Starts With Hand Washing

So, should you use disposable gloves in the kitchen? Yes – when it makes sense. But gloves should never replace proper hand washing, good hygiene habits, or effective training.

Using a Digital Food Safety System can help your team stay on top of hygiene procedures, including when gloves should be used and when hand washing is required. The right system makes it easier to keep everyone consistent and compliant, especially in busy kitchens.

Why Your Business Should Consider a Digital Food Safety System

So, knowing the benefits of glove use, but also the risks, means there’s a balance to strike. But applying all this in a fast-paced kitchen? That’s where we come in.

At Food Safety Guru, we make it easy to build hygiene into your kitchen’s daily routine. Our Digital Food Safety App lets you schedule hygiene checks, track glove and hand washing procedures, and keep records for your entire team – all in one place.

At Food Safety Guru, we offer a Digital Food Safety System that’s tailored to meet the needs of UK-based food and hospitality businesses. Our system is easy to use, keeps all your records in one place, and ensures you stay compliant with the latest regulations.