What is the primary reason for using gloves in food handling?

Using gloves in food handling is primarily aimed at preventing the transmission of pathogens. Gloves serve as a barrier between food and the hands of food workers, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination caused by harmful microorganisms present on skin or nails. This is essential in maintaining food safety, especially when handling ready-to-eat foods, as it helps protect consumers from foodborne illnesses.

While it might seem convenient to assume that wearing gloves eliminates the need for handwashing, this is not correct because proper hand hygiene is still crucial before putting on gloves and after removing them. Safeguarding against food spoilage is also not the primary function of gloves; food spoilage is more closely related to temperature control and proper storage rather than personal hygiene practices. Lastly, the aesthetic aspect of food handling may be visually appealing, but it is not the main reason gloves are used in food service environments. The primary focus remains on ensuring food safety through effective prevention of pathogen transmission.