How often should gloves be changed when preparing food?

The recommended frequency for changing gloves while preparing food is every four hours. This guideline is established to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure food safety. Over time, even high-quality gloves can become less effective in protecting against pathogens, as they may accumulate bacteria from the surfaces they touch or from prolonged use. By changing gloves at least every four hours, food handlers can help maintain hygiene standards and reduce the likelihood of foodborne illnesses.

It's important to note that gloves should also be changed more frequently if they become soiled, torn, or if the handler switches between preparing different types of food, particularly raw meat and ready-to-eat items. This practice is a key component of maintaining a safe food preparation environment.