The next time you visit a hospital or even your doctor's office, pay attention to how much equipment they use. Of course there are the obvious things like stethoscopes and tongue depressors. But there are also other little things like needles, syringes, gloves, and face masks. Most of these items can either be classified as medical equipment or medical supplies. It's interesting to learn a bit more about the medical supply industry, how it operates, and the products that are involved. You can do that here on this blog. Then, we recommend seeking out some additional resources like magazines, books, and other blogs.
Anyone working within the commercial food industry is required to wear gloves when handling food products. These gloves help to protect both the food handler and the consumer against possible contamination and disease. The type of gloves used in commercial food applications must meet certain standards and be made from certain materials.
Learn more about the key characteristics of food-grade gloves so that you will appreciate the important role these gloves play in your business's day-to-day safety.
1. Food-Grade Gloves Are Disposable
One of the most notable characteristics of food-grade gloves is the fact that they are disposable. Individuals employed within the food industry will typically go through several pairs of gloves during a normal shift. Experts recommend that workers dispose of their gloves at least once every four hours. Food-grade gloves should also be changed out whenever they become damaged, whenever a food worker begins a new preparatory task, or in the event that the gloves become contaminated. The disposable nature of food-grade gloves allows them to protect the food supply chain against bacterial or viral contamination.
2. Food-Grade Gloves Are Allergen-Free
For people with allergies, exposure to certain substances can have deadly consequences. It is important that food-grade gloves are allergen-free to prevent the possible transfer of an allergen from the gloves themselves to a food item during preparation.
Gloves made from latex or vinyl are not recommended for use in the commercial food industry. These gloves can leave trace amounts of latex or vinyl on a food item after it has been handled. Anyone with an allergy to latex or vinyl that happens to consume the food item could have a severe allergic reaction. The most reliable material used to make food-grade gloves is nitrile.
3. Food-Grade Gloves Are Manufactured Safely
The manufacturing facility in which gloves are produced can have an impact on their overall safety. Food-grade gloves must be manufactured in facilities that are inspected regularly. These inspections ensure that the facility is clean and free of any outside contaminants. Gloves that come from a non-inspected facility could pick up bacteria or other pathogens before the packaging process.
Food-grade gloves must be strong, flexible, and impermeable. It is these characteristics that make food-grade gloves a valuable ally in the fight to maintain the safety of the consumer food supply chain.
To learn more about using food-grade gloves in your business, contact a supplier in your area.
Share2 August 2023
