Use of gloves is not a substitute for hand washing.
- It is not a legal requirement that food handlers must wear gloves when handling and preparing food.
- It is acceptable to prepare and handle food with bare hands provided proper hand washing procedures are in place and is adhered to.
- Gloves used by food workers must be changed frequently and that hands are washed between glove changes and when gloves are removed.
- Gloves must be changed when carrying out non-food related activities such as emptying bins, handling money etc.
- Wearing gloves can allow bacteria to build up on the surface of the hands, so hand washing is extremely important when gloves are removed to avoid subsequent contamination of food.
- Hands must be clean before putting on gloves.
- Gloves must be disposed of correctly.
Anti-bacterial wipes and anti-bacterial/alcohol gels are not substitute for hand washing and are effective only when used on clean hands.
