When are single-use gloves not required?

Single-use gloves are not required when washing produce. This is primarily because when preparing fruits and vegetables, the surfaces are typically cleaned with water, which minimizes the risk of contamination during this specific process. The act of washing produce involves removing soil and potential contaminants, and as long as proper hand hygiene is practiced, it is considered safe to handle the produce directly without the need for gloves.

In contrast, other scenarios such as cooking raw meat or handling ready-to-eat foods involve a higher risk of cross-contamination or foodborne illness, thereby necessitating the use of gloves to protect food from harmful pathogens. Similarly, after touching unclean surfaces, it's essential to wear gloves or wash hands thoroughly to prevent transferring contaminants to food items. Thus, the requirement for gloves is driven by the need to ensure food safety during the handling of various food types.