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Are vinyl gloves safe for food service?

13 Jan.,2025

What Kind of Gloves are Food Safe? - Meritech

In an effort to avoid contact with contaminated surfaces more and more people donning gloves. There has been lots of discussion around what type of glove is best, but there is not exactly one answer to that question. Each of the different glove types has its own advantages and disadvantages, therefore the gloves you use should reflect your needs.

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Material

Nitrile: Nitrile butadiene rubber is a synthetic, latex-free rubber. Nitrile gloves have characteristics similar to latex such as their elasticity and strength but do not contain the latex proteins people can be highly sensitive or allergic to. This glove is the best option for food handling to ensure food safety.

Vinyl: Made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl gloves are currently the most commonly used gloves for food handling in the US. But, there is evidence showing that vinyl gloves are an ineffective barrier when handling food and could pose environmental and human health issues.

Latex: Very durable due to their high elasticity and resistance to punctures, latex gloves provide the wearer a great fit. Latex gloves are no longer used for food handling in the US due to potential allergic reactions in latex-sensitive individuals.

Polyethylene: Commonly called PE gloves, they are an inexpensive glove for food safety when frequent glove changes are required (i.e. making sandwiches or serving food from a deli case).

Quality

Another important factor in the buying process is the manufacturer. Gloves made in dirty factories can be contaminated with bacteria before you even use them. It is important to buy gloves from a reputable supplier that takes hygiene and sanitation seriously. Also, cheaply made gloves often contain fillers like chalk or silica to reduce the cost of manufacturing. These can be toxic to the wearer, and reduce glove strength and flexibility making them more prone to tearing.

Types of Disposable Gloves (Are They Food Safe?)

1. Nitrile Gloves

Disposable nitrile gloves are made from nitrile rubber, a synthetic material that provides superior resistance to chemicals and oils. These flexible gloves are puncture-resistant, making them ideal for tough industrial and janitorial jobs. You'll see black nitrile gloves used frequently in hair salons and tattoo shops, but they're also a great option for foodservice.

Nitrile gloves provide a snug fit with tactile sensitivity, which makes them comfortable to wear for long periods without irritation. They also have a long shelf-life, so these gloves will maintain their integrity over time.

Are Nitrile Gloves Food Safe? Yes

Do Nitrile Gloves Contain Latex? No

Are Nitrile Gloves Powder-Free? Yes

Best Applications for Nitrile Gloves: General purpose, food prep, cooking, janitorial, industrial, exam-grade options

2. Latex Gloves

For many years, latex gloves were considered the best option for single-use gloves thanks to their flexibility and strength. They conform tightly to the hand, providing tactile sensitivity that's ideal for handling small objects. The downside of latex is the potential to cause allergic reactions, which becomes a safety issue for guests and employees who are exposed to latex.

Latex gloves are now banned in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, and Rhode Island. Illinois also has a ban in place, but they offer a concession for foodservice businesses unable to source non-latex gloves. Prominent signage must be in place to alert customers that latex gloves are used in the operation.

Are Latex Gloves Food Safe? Yes

Are Latex Gloves Powder-Free? Powder-free options are available

Best Applications for Latex Gloves: General purpose, food prep, cooking, janitorial, exam-grade options (except where banned)

3. Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl gloves are a cost-effective alternative to nitrile or latex gloves. They provide a safe level of protection at a more affordable price, which is essential when buying in bulk. Vinyl is also durable and tear-resistant, reducing the risk of torn gloves.

You can find vinyl gloves offered in a range of thicknesses that are rated for different applications. Thicker vinyl gloves are suitable for medical and exam purposes. Powder-free options are the best choice for food prep.

Are Vinyl Gloves Food Safe? Yes

Do Vinyl Gloves Contain Latex? No

Are Vinyl Gloves Powder-Free? There are powder-free options available

Best Applications for Vinyl Gloves: General purpose, food prep, cooking, janitorial

4. Poly Gloves

Poly gloves are made from polyethylene plastic, a thinner material compared to nitrile, vinyl, and latex. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just makes poly gloves more suitable for light-duty tasks. You won't get the same level of tear resistance with poly, but you get a thin, lightweight glove that is easy to take off quickly.

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Use polyethylene gloves for food prep tasks when gloves need to be changed often and you don't need chemical resistance. Poly gloves are also one of the most economical disposable gloves on our list.

Are Poly Gloves Food Safe? Yes

Do Poly Gloves Contain Latex? No

Are Poly Gloves Powder-Free? Yes

Best Applications for Poly Gloves: Food prep only

5. Hybrid Gloves

Hybrid gloves are made with vinyl and nitrile. The benefit of combining these two materials is a glove with the durability of nitrile at a more affordable price. These gloves are smoother and more flexible than vinyl and not as opaque as nitrile.

Choose vinyl/nitrile hybrid gloves to get the best of both worlds. Nitrile gloves are very popular, but they are also one of the most expensive options. Hybrid gloves make a great alternative.

Are Hybrid Gloves Food Safe? Yes

Do Hybrid Gloves Contain Latex? No

Are Hybrid Gloves Powder-Free? Yes

Best Applications for Hybrid Gloves: General purpose, food prep, cooking, janitorial

6. CPE Gloves

CPE is a type of polyethylene with enhanced durability. Gloves made with CPE have all the same benefits as poly gloves, with greater flexibility and strength. They're affordable, lightweight, and easy to remove after food prep tasks.

Just like disposable poly gloves, CPE gloves are best for light-duty tasks like prep work and food handling.

Are CPE Gloves Food Safe? Yes

Do CPE Gloves Contain Latex? No

Are CPE Gloves Powder-Free? Yes

Best Applications for CPE Gloves: Food prep only

7. TPE Gloves

TPE stands for thermoplastic elastomer, a material that creates a smooth, flexible single-use glove. Gloves made with TPE are lightweight and comfortable like poly gloves but provide elasticity similar to vinyl gloves.

Choose TPE gloves for a more affordable option that flexes with the hand as it moves. Unlike regular poly gloves, TPE gloves can also be used for light cleaning tasks.

Are TPE Gloves Food Safe? Yes

Do TPE Gloves Contain Latex? No

Are TPE Gloves Powder-Free? Yes

Best Applications for TPE Gloves: General purpose, food prep, light janitorial

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