When are food handlers required to use gloves in food establishments?

One of the primary routes of exposure to a contagious or infectious disease is from one hand to our mouths. Washing and covering hands while preparing ready-to-eat foods is the best way to prevent this type of contamination.  A ready-to-eat food is a food that will not be cooked again before being served to the public. Salads, subs, all fresh fruits and vegetables and cooked food items are all ready-to-eat items. Food employees handling these items must wash their hands and wear gloves or use utensils while handling these items.  Vinyl gloves are required instead of latex gloves since latex can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.