Why is wearing gloves important for food handlers?

Wearing gloves is essential for food handlers primarily to prevent skin contact with food. Skin can harbor harmful bacteria and pathogens that can be transferred to food through direct contact. This transfer can lead to foodborne illnesses, compromising food safety. By wearing gloves, food handlers create a barrier that minimizes the risk of contamination, helping to protect consumers from potential health hazards.

While gloves can also be seen as part of a professional appearance in food service settings, the main focus should always be on health and safety. Gloves do not replace the necessity of handwashing; in fact, proper hand hygiene is critical before putting on gloves and after removing them. Keeping hands warm is not a valid reason within the context of food safety, making the importance of preventing skin contact the most relevant aspect when discussing glove use in food handling.