Food Safe Gloves

EN 1186 Food Contact Compliance

Food safe gloves in this collection meet EN 1186 standards – a two-stage approval process. First, formulation: only substances listed in EU Regulation 10/2011 (plastic materials for food contact) can be used. Second, migration testing: gloves must not leach more than 10mg/dm² of substance into food during use. This isn't a material property – it's verified through testing that simulates contact with fatty, acidic, and aqueous foods. Check individual product listings for exact certification details.

Choosing Between Nitrile, Latex, and Vinyl

Material choice affects durability, sensitivity, and allergen risk. Nitrile gloves resist punctures and stand up to oils, fats, and most cleaning chemicals – the go-to for butchery, fishmonger work, and greasy prep. Latex offers the best tactile feel for delicate tasks (pastry, garnishing) but carries allergy risk. Vinyl suits light-duty, short-duration tasks and eliminates latex sensitivity concerns. Are nitrile gloves food safe? Yes, when certified to EN 1186. Same for latex and vinyl – certification is what matters, not material alone.

Single-Task Discipline and Cross-Contamination

UK food safety guidance (FSA) does not legally require glove use, but when gloves are worn, they must be single-task only. One pair for raw chicken, then binned. Wash hands, new pair for veg prep. The mistake? Wearing the same gloves across multiple tasks because they 'look clean'. That's how pathogens transfer. Staff must wash hands before gloving and immediately after removal – gloves don't replace handwashing, they supplement it. Disposable gloves food safe only when used correctly.

Common Specification Errors

Buyers often choose powdered gloves without realising powder can contaminate food and trigger allergies. Non-powdered (polymer-coated) versions are now standard in professional kitchens. Another mistake: assuming all disposable gloves are food grade – they're not. Gloves to prepare food must state EN 1186 compliance or equivalent food contact certification. Finally, sizing matters. Too tight and gloves tear during donning; too loose and dexterity suffers. Measure hand circumference at knuckles and follow the manufacturer's sizing chart on each product page.