When should gloves be changed during food preparation?

Changing gloves during food preparation is essential for maintaining food safety and preventing cross-contamination. The correct choice emphasizes that gloves should be changed when switching tasks—like moving from raw meat to vegetables, which can introduce harmful bacteria—or if they become contaminated from touching unclean surfaces or food items. This practice helps ensure that pathogens do not spread between different food items, thereby safeguarding the health of consumers.

In food preparation, gloves serve as a barrier to protect both the food and the worker’s hands from contaminants. However, if a worker switches from handling raw food to ready-to-eat items, or if gloves get damaged or soiled, it is critical to change them to uphold hygiene standards. This approach aligns with best practices in food safety, which is essential in any food service environment.