Food Safe Nitrile Gloves

To qualify as food-grade, a glove must be sanitary, waterproof, and made from materials known to be safe for food handling and packaging. Remember that following safety guidelines is crucial even when wearing food-safe gloves.

Single-use latex, vinyl, and nitrile gloves are all safe for food service when used correctly. These materials provide a sanitary barrier against germs and allergens. These types of disposable gloves are also easy to change when you need a new pair of gloves — for instance, after you’ve handled raw meat.

Yes, nitrile gloves are a safe, dependable choice for food service. They’re harder to rip and puncture than other kinds of disposable gloves, so there’s less chance that your hands will accidentally contact food-borne allergens or bacteria. And nitrile is a latex-free synthetic rubber that’s less likely to trigger allergies.

Bacteria can build up on nitrile gloves if you don’t change them often enough. That’s why the best gloves for cooking are disposable nitrile gloves, letting you quickly discard them when you’re changing food service tasks. Remember that even food-safe nitrile gloves don’t eliminate the need for hand washing and other safety precautions.