As the foodservice industry strives to ensure proper hygiene and safety, restaurant service must begin with hand protection. Disposable gloves are a crucial part of maintaining a high level of cleanliness when handling food.

Even before the pandemic raised hygiene consciousness, many foodservice establishments were regular users of disposable gloves.

Avoiding cross-contamination and keeping bacteria at bay are always important considerations for food trucks, restaurants, commercial kitchens, and the like. Protecting customers is central to protecting the business from liability.

With the arrival of COVID-19, hygiene awareness soared. Even as food establishments fought to stay open, face masks and gloves became essential gear. Sit-down service largely disappeared or was limited by dining area size. Restaurants that didn’t have outdoor dining space had to depend on carryout or delivery.

The pandemic, of course, has not entirely gone away, despite not being in the news as often. Because COVID testing is greatly reduced, the number of cases is not being reported as frequently as it was.

The foodservice industry operates under notoriously thin margins and looks for value everywhere it can be found. Disposable gloves that deliver great value are part of any conversation regarding what a food service establishment needs.

The first and most obvious benefit of using gloves is prevention of cross-contamination. This is especially important when it comes to prepping, which can include handling raw meats, vegetables, and allergenic ingredients. Gloves create a barrier between the food and the handler’s hands, preventing bacteria or allergens from passing between them.

Food prepping can entail a number of tasks, including cleaning, washing, cutting, marinating, mixing, measuring, and cooking. Gloves needed for these tasks ideally are thick, durable, and form-fitting (or loose fitting if you require frequent glove changes).

Second, the use of gloves is a must for personal hygiene. No one wants to see their food being prepared by someone with bare hands—who knows where those hands have been? Gloves provide a visual indication to customers that the person handling their food is following hygiene protocol. This is reassuring to customers and helps establish trust with the establishment.

Another reason why disposable gloves are crucial in restaurant service is that they protect both the food and the handler. Raw meats can have bacteria that can cause illness if ingested. Gloves help to prevent skin-to-meat contact, which can spread bacteria onto the food or the server’s skin.

Last, using gloves in the kitchen also helps maintain a standard of cleanliness in the restaurant. The act of putting on gloves can remind staff to wash their hands between tasks and keep their workstations clean. This mindset of cleanliness can translate into the entire restaurant environment.

For servers, form-fitting gloves are not as important (although lightweight black nitrile gloves for front-of-the-house staff can add a touch of class to any restaurant). Those who bus tables can comfortably wear light-duty, loose-fitting gloves like polyethylene or vinyl to facilitate easy glove changes.

Great restaurant service begins with the use of disposable gloves. Customers expect that their food is being prepared and handled with the utmost care, and a restaurant’s use of gloves helps to create this level of trust.

Don’t put your establishment’s reputation to the test. Ensure your staff is properly equipped with hand protection and educated as to its importance.

Content courtesy of AMMEX