What is the primary purpose of using gloves in food service?

The primary purpose of using gloves in food service is to prevent food contamination. This practice is essential for maintaining food safety standards. When preparing or serving food, gloves serve as a barrier between the hands and the food to minimize the risk of transferring harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from the hands to the food. This is particularly crucial when handling ready-to-eat foods, where the risk of foodborne illnesses can significantly increase if proper sanitation measures are not adhered to.

Using gloves does contribute to hygiene and can improve the overall perception of cleanliness in food service. However, the primary focus remains on contamination prevention, which is vital for customer health and safety. While keeping hands warm and providing comfort can be benefits in some situations, they do not relate to the primary purpose of glove usage in food environments.