Latex gloves provide a durable and disposable option for maintaining hygiene in catering kitchens. Disposable gloves not only protect your hands from contaminants and potentially harmful chemicals, they also prevent cross-contamination and help you achieve proper food safety. Learn all about latex, latex allergies, and how latex gloves compare to other types of materials.

What is latex?

Latex is a mixture of proteins and compounds that occur naturally in certain plants and trees. Latex starts out as a liquid, but eventually turns into a rubbery material that has many different uses in a variety of industries. Natural latex is different from synthetic latex, which is made from chemicals used to make things like latex paint.

What's the use of latex?

Latex is used to make many common items such as disposable gloves, medical equipment, balloons, shoes, tires, and rubber toys. You can find latex products in many different Settings, and it is common in the food service industry as well as the medical and dental fields.

What is latex allergy?

Latex allergy is when someone reacts to proteins found in natural latex. There are different types of latex allergies, and some people have mild reactions, while others can develop serious health problems when exposed to latex. According to the CDC, 1 to 6 percent of the general population is allergic to latex. Therefore, care should be taken when using latex products around customers or people who may be allergic.

In 2017, the FDA issued a ban on the use of powdered latex gloves in the medical and dental fields because this could negatively impact patients if they have latex allergies.

Powder gloves and powder free gloves

There are two main types of latex gloves to choose from: powder gloves and powder free gloves. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different types of situations.

There are powder latex gloves

Powdered latex gloves have powder inside, making them easy to put on and take off and preventing latex from sticking to your hands, which is ideal if your employees often take off gloves and replace them with new ones.

The powder inside the glove is cornstarch, which, unlike the powder used in previous gloves, prevents irritation. In addition to making gloves easier to wear, the powder keeps employees' hands dry and comfortable. This type of disposable glove is more resistant to tearing and tearing than powder-free gloves.

Powder free latex gloves

After the FDA ban, powder-free latex gloves became more common in the medical industry and are also common in food service Settings. The main advantage of powder-free gloves over powder-free gloves is that they don't leave a messy residue on your hands or equipment, which is crucial in a food service environment. In addition, the new powder-free gloves are just as easy to wear as powder-coated gloves, making them an excellent alternative to other powder-coated gloves.

An alternative to latex gloves

There are four main alternatives to latex disposable gloves: nitrile, polyneoprene, neoprene, and vinyl. All four of these tools have different advantages, are suitable for different environments, and are perfect for carrying extra tools in an emergency. Check out the image below to see which type of disposable gloves are right for your task:

Latex gloves and nitrile gloves

Nitrile gloves are one of the best alternatives to latex gloves because you can use them to perform many of the same tasks as latex gloves, but you don't have to worry about latex allergies. Nitrile gloves have excellent chemical resistance and are perfect for hospitals, dental clinics and other medical facilities, which are in great demand during an international pandemic. Here are some benefits of using nitrile gloves in a medical practice or food service setting:

The material is very resistant to chemicals and is ideal for cleaning or handling hazardous materials.

Nitrile gloves are thin but strong. As a result, they provide excellent tactile sensitivity, which is crucial when performing delicate medical tasks.

They fit snugly into your hands.

Powder-free, so no residue will be left on your hands.

They don't contain latex, so you can use them without worrying about causing an allergic reaction.

Latex gloves and vinyl gloves

Vinyl gloves are another popular alternative to latex gloves, and you can find them in many types of food service establishments. Similar to latex, vinyl gloves also come in powder and powder free versions. Vinyl gloves are also easy to wear, comfortable, and inexpensive, and you can choose thin vinyl gloves for assembling food or thick ones for cleaning tasks. Here are some of the benefits of switching to disposable vinyl gloves:

Vinyl is very cost effective compared to nitrile butadiene rubber and latex.

There are both thin and thick options, so you can use the thin type when handling food and the thick type when cleaning.

Vinyl is latex free and non-allergenic, so it can be used by everyone.

These products come in looser shapes, making them comfortable and easy to wear.

There are many different options for disposable gloves, so it can be difficult to choose. No matter which disposable gloves you choose, make sure you have the proper gloves and hygiene products to pass all health checks and ensure quality service for your customers or guests.

Latex gloves are ideal because they are durable, fit and comfortable, but they may not work if your employees or customers are allergic to latex. Fortunately, nitrile and vinyl are good alternatives. With so many options to choose from. You can easily find disposable gloves that fit your business needs and protect you and your employees during this time.