When should gloves be used during handling?

• A. Only when dealing with raw meat.
• B. Never use gloves.
• C. Only during closing procedures.
• D. For all ready-to-eat assembly and when switching tasks; change gloves between steps.

Answer: (D)

Gloves are used to prevent cross-contamination by creating a barrier between your hands and foods that won’t be cooked before serving. They should be worn for all ready-to-eat assembly and whenever you switch tasks, so you don’t transfer bacteria from one activity to another. Change gloves between steps or tasks, especially after handling raw ingredients or touching anything that could contaminate the next item. Gloves don’t replace handwashing—wash hands before putting on gloves and after removing them. Also change gloves if they become soiled, torn, or when you move from one task to another (for example, from handling raw ingredients to assembling finished or ready-to-eat items).