Are Nitrile Gloves Food Safe?

When you are choosing gloves for handling food, it is important not only to ensure that the food is protected against contact with your hands, but also that it is protected against any materials leaching from the gloves. As one of the most popular types of disposable gloves, many people question whether or not nitrile gloves are safe to be used with food. The answer to this is a resounding yes; not only are nitrile gloves safe to use with food, but they are also one of the best choices for food handling.

Which Nitrile Gloves Are Best for Food Use?

Nitrile as a material is safe for contact with food, however for total peace of mind we recommend looking for gloves that have been tested to the European standard EN 1186. This is the standard that highlights whether or not a glove is Food Safe, and they can be identified by this symbol:

We've listed a view of our best selling EN 1186 Food Safe Nitrile Gloves below. You can learn more about each of these gloves by clicking on them, or by reading our complete guide to the Best Food Safe Nitrile Gloves.

Grippaz Blue Semi-Disposable Nitrile Food Safety Gloves (Pack of 24 Pairs) Grippaz blue semi-disposable nitrile food-safety gloves Ideal for use as an over-glove food processing industry Resistant to animal fats, oils and micro-organisms Powder-free and allergy-free, no silicone or latex    In stock now £12.01Details

Unigloves Zero Nitrile GM005 Accelerator-Free Gloves Accelerator-, and latex-free disposable gloves Ideal at reducing risks of cross contamination  Powder-free glove design Price shown is per box containing 100 gloves    In stock now £5.35Details

Aurelia Bold Medical Grade Black Nitrile Gloves Price is per box of 100 gloves Nitrile constructed gloves for added protection and strength Black design with micro-texture for secure grip Latex-free, ambidextrous gloves    In stock now £4.46Details

Ejendals Tegera 318 Dotted Palm Assembly Gloves Price is per pair Provides high levels of protection and breathability Withstands contact heat up to 100°C Suitable for assembly and foodstuff handling    In stock now £1.82Details

Unigloves GT003 Select Black Nitrile Gloves For Tattooing (Pack of 100) Black nitrile gloves ideal for tattoo artists Nitrile material protects against blood borne pathogens Hand-crafted production works to reduce hand fatigue Price shown is per box containing 100 gloves    In stock now £4.16Details

Supertouch Powderfree Nitrile Gloves 1261/1269/1267 Price is per pack of 100 gloves Ideal for clinical, automotives, engineering and food processing use Medical grade and powder-free for skin health Stronger construction ideal for extended use    In stock now £2.66Details

Why Should I Use Gloves When Handling Food?

While washing your hands can provide protection against the contamination of food, disposable gloves used in combination with rigorous cleanliness adds an extra level of safety. Nitrile gloves are especially useful if you are switching between handling money and handling food – once your hand has touched money, you have put yourself at risk of then contaminating food. With disposable gloves, you can simply change to a new glove to prevent any contamination.

Street food vendors often use nitrile gloves to ensure
high levels of hygiene

Can I Use Nitrile Gloves When Preparing Food?

Many chefs and cooks may prefer to cook without gloves, but using disposable nitrile gloves can actually increase the cleanliness of your kitchen. If you currently use a cut resistant glove for knife handling, using a nitrile glove over your cut resistant glove can reduce the need to replace or clean your reusable gloves without compromising protection.

Can I Use Nitrile Gloves for Home Cooking?

When you are cooking at home, there is obviously a smaller risk associated with food preparation compared to professional environs. This doesn't mean, however, that nitrile gloves can't come in handy when cooking around the home.

For example, if you have ever suffered the agony of accidentally rubbing your eye after handling a chilli pepper, you can appreciate the benefit of wearing gloves when dealing with spicy foodstuffs. Similarly, if you are preparing a meal and touching raw meat before vegetables, wearing gloves can prevent the need for re-washing your hands every couple of minutes.

Are Nitrile Gloves Good for Sensitive Skin?

While there is a tiny minority of people who have a nitrile allergy, nitrile is a material with far less risk of an allergic reaction when compared to other materials (most notably, latex). This makes them a great choice for companies looking to equip a large workforce, or for people that have sensitive skin.

Nitrile Gloves: Our Number One Recommended Material for Food

Whether you are plating elaborate dishes in a fancy French restaurant or selling burgers in a van outside a football stadium on a Saturday afternoon, food hygiene is always a big concern. Nitrile gloves strike the perfect balance between economy, ease and efficacy, safe-guarding you from germs and bacteria so that you can keep your focus on the food.

Do you use nitrile gloves for food preparation? Let us know how you find them in the comments below or via Facebook or Twitter!