Which statement best describes when disposable gloves should be changed during food preparation?

Which statement best describes when disposable gloves should be changed during food preparation?

• A. Only when torn
• B. When contaminated, torn, or soiled; when switching tasks or after handling raw foods
• C. Every 8 hours
• D. Never during a shift

Answer: (B)

Gloves are a protective barrier, but they can still pick up contaminants. The best practice is to change disposable gloves whenever there is a risk of cross-contamination: if they become contaminated, torn, or soiled; when you switch to a different task; or after handling raw foods. This prevents pathogens from moving from raw items or dirty surfaces to ready-to-eat foods. Remember, gloves don’t replace handwashing—wash hands before putting gloves on and after removing them. Options that rely on changes only under tearing, on a fixed schedule like every 8 hours, or never changing during a shift ignore these risk points and can lead to cross-contact.

Gloves are a protective barrier, but they can still pick up contaminants. The best practice is to change disposable gloves whenever there is a risk of cross-contamination: if they become contaminated, torn, or soiled; when you switch to a different task; or after handling raw foods. This prevents pathogens from moving from raw items or dirty surfaces to ready-to-eat foods. Remember, gloves don’t replace handwashing—wash hands before putting gloves on and after removing them. Options that rely on changes only under tearing, on a fixed schedule like every 8 hours, or never changing during a shift ignore these risk points and can lead to cross-contact.