True or False: Handwashing is unnecessary if gloves are worn.

Handwashing is essential even when gloves are worn, making the statement false. Gloves can provide a barrier to pathogens, but they are not a substitute for proper hand hygiene. There are several reasons for this:

Firstly, gloves can become contaminated during food preparation or handling, which means the potential for cross-contamination still exists. If the person wearing gloves touches a contaminated surface or item, the gloves can transfer those pathogens to food or surfaces without proper handwashing prior to putting on the gloves.

Secondly, handwashing removes dirt, organic matter, and microbes that can accumulate on hands, which may not be adequately addressed by simply wearing gloves. Moreover, studies have shown that people often assume that wearing gloves means they don’t need to wash their hands, leading to a higher risk of foodborne illness if both handwashing and gloving practices are not followed.

Overall, adhering to proper handwashing protocols remains critical for food safety and should be practiced consistently, regardless of whether gloves are being worn.