Why should gloves be changed frequently?

Changing gloves frequently is essential mainly to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of pathogens. When food workers handle different types of food or switch tasks, such as moving from raw meat to ready-to-eat foods, there is a significant risk of transferring harmful microorganisms from one surface to another. By changing gloves after handling various food items or after tasks such as cleaning, employees reduce the possibility of contaminating safe food. This practice is crucial in protecting public health and ensuring food safety standards are met.

While remaining clean and complying with company policy are also important aspects of glove usage, they do not address the immediate risk of cross-contamination in food handling settings as directly as preventing the spread of pathogens does. Saving time is not a priority in food preparation where safety is concerned, as procedures that ensure food safety often take precedence over speed.