When must a food handler change gloves?

Changing gloves as soon as they become dirty or torn is crucial for maintaining food safety. Dirty or compromised gloves can harbor bacteria and contaminants that can easily transfer to food, leading to potential foodborne illnesses. By changing gloves immediately upon noticing any damage or contamination, food handlers help ensure a safe environment for food preparation and service.

While changing gloves at the end of a shift or after using the bathroom are important practices to uphold hygiene, they do not address the immediate risk posed by dirty or torn gloves. Hourly changes may be excessive if gloves remain intact and clean and do not prioritize addressing direct contamination issues as they occur. Hence, the focus should always be on the condition of the gloves rather than a set time limit, emphasizing proactive safety measures in food handling.